A BUS stop in Bramhope is to be out of action for four months due to roadworks.

Leeds City Council is closing the stop for Leeds-bound buses on the A660 Leeds Road, opposite The Poplars, for ‘approximately 15 weeks’ starting from Monday, October 28.

The decision is linked to a major highways scheme that the council has just started in support of the 319 property Miler Homes development.

The work will include creating a new roundabout, plus an access road to the housing development, on the A660 at its junction with The Poplars.

The local authority had originally hoped a temporary bus stop could be introduced. But it has concluded, since a long section of nearby pavement is also being closed, that the best solution will be for passengers to use alternative existing stops.

Local councillors were given un update on the plans, which had at first involved closing the bus stop from Monday, October 21, this week.

Leeds has been working with Bramhope & Carlton Parish Council to see how the impact of the roadworks can be minimised and held a public meeting in the village on Friday, October 11.

The parish council’s Vice Chair, Councillor John Howard, said: “At the meeting it was mentioned that The Poplars Leeds-bound bus stop would have to move as such a long length of pavement is to be closed.

“The parish council has been working with Leeds’ highways team on this and other aspects of the work to minimise the impact. Initially, highways was hopeful that a temporary stop could be provided but the suggested locations were almost as far as the existing permanent stops at Leeds Road, Kings Road and Leeds Road, Wynmore Avenue and made little difference to the distance residents would have to walk.

“Notices will be placed at each end of the closed section of footpath advising that is closed and that passengers should use the alternative bus stops.”

He added: “Delaying the closure by a week gives more time to advise residents. It also coincides with school half-term so giving a further week for students to learn of the change.”

The parish council has publicised the closure on Facebook, noticeboards and the village website and will deliver a letter about it to residents in the area this week.