A fake bus stop painted on a Mitcham street by pranksters failed to stop campaigners winning the first stage of their battle against an unwanted bus route.

Safety crusaders from Sherwood Park Road believed if the 463 bus route were to go ahead, the narrow street would become congested and a potential traffic hazard.

Their worst fears were almost realised when they discovered a yellow bus stop sign painted on the road and they received letters, purporting to be from Merton Council, which claimed buses would soon be a regular feature.

Enraged campaigners, who were due to discuss the matter with members of Merton Council just days later, thought the scheme had been given the green light without their consent.

Yet after investigations from Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh and Merton Council, the mysterious new bus stop was found to be a hoax and residents were allowed to have their say at a street management overview and scrutiny panel meeting last week.

Resident Bobby Stevens, who attended the meeting, said even though the panel recommended the scheme should be refused, the battle was not yet over because the final decision rested with the cabinet member for planning and street management.

Merton's transport planning manager said the council had consulted residents and was now investigating alternative routes to service the Pollards Hill estate.

January 29, 2003 12:00