(30 Jul 2022, 1:55 am)R852 PRG wrote I recall that when the service through Urpeth Grange was reduced to just the 34A, over a decade ago now, there were grievances from residents that it traversing Urpeth clockwise (as in, Urpeth first then looping back round through Ouston - the direct opposite of what the 34 does today) meant residents would need to cross the road. The bus stops which are served today (anti-clockwise) are all on the same side of the road as the housing. 

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/l...e-changes/

(30 Jul 2022, 9:29 am)Andreos1 wrote There was very little infrastructure to assist with crossing the road and it appeared from the outside in, DCC were unwilling or unable to fund improvements such as crossings, speed bumps or other traffic calming measures.
All of the clockwise stops backed on to empty fields and I'm pretty sure there wasn't the space or inclination to build shelters in some of the more exposed locations either. 

I believe there were other incidents like the one I mentioned above, but not with the same consequences or level of injuries.
Pretty sure the local primary school were also involved at one stage of the campaign too and eventually they were provided with a school time crossing patrol. They also managed to get a bit of a hard standing car park (used for pick ups/drop offs) developed around the same period, to encourage people away from the St Benets Way and filter pupils through the crossing.

I can't remember who the decision maker was (operators or LA) , but it ended up with services operating the anti-clockwise loop only, regardless of the origin or starting point of the service (which apart from school services - was always Chester. Cos that's where the population of Urpeth Grange all want to visit and work from).