Anger over fumes as Hebburn grandfather fights to have bus shelter moved from end of his driveway

Dave Young, 71, who has lived on South Drive in Hebburn with his wife for almost 40 years, says his life has been blighted by engine fumes, cigarette smoke and litter from the bus shelter on Victoria Road West – no more than two meters away from the entrance to his garden.

After the bus stop was extended many years ago the couple lost their drop kerb and access to the double gates leading to the garden.

But despite the bus stop eventually being moved further along the road around 10 years ago, it was later returned to its original position outside the Young’s home.

Now retired, Mr Young spends many hours working from his garage and says he fears for his health – and that of his young grandchildren – as fumes from buses and other vehicles waft over onto his property.

“I’ve been trying to get the bus stop moved for more than 20 years,” said the grandfather.

“We’re talking about clean air here, but [the council] don’t seem interested in the health of residents.”

He added: “If buses are running ahead of time they layover for ages and I have to ask them to switch the engine off. People stand around smoking at the bus shelter, so we’re also breathing that in and litter is thrown into the garden regularly.”

Hebburn South ward Councillor Wilf Flynn, has suggested that the bus stop could be moved as part of plans to introduce parking bays in the area to cope with match day traffic at Hebburn Sports Centre.

He commented: “Consultation has been undertaken with residents regarding traffic on match days and parking bays are being considered along the Victoria Road West sports ground boundary wall. It seems an ideal time to remove the bus stop and bus shelter away from the home of Mr and Mrs Young. They suffer fumes through their home from idling engines and that is not just buses, but the many vehicles which park engine idling in the bus lay-by.”

Coun Flynn added: “Society is aware of the effects of idling engine fumes on people’s health and I have requested air tests are held. The simple solution is to move the bus stop and bus shelter only a matter of yards then no one's home or health will be affected.”

South Tyneside Council has said they will continue to carry out air quality monitoring in the area.

A spokesperson said: “Air quality monitoring was carried out at this location in 2017 and nitrogen dioxide levels did not exceed recommended limits. Local bus operators also indicated that all buses using this corridor were operating to an efficient standard. However, we will continue to undertake routine local air quality monitoring in the area.

“Consultation with local residents about parking in this area is ongoing and any comments or concerns regarding these issues will be taken into consideration.”