Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has called on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to reinstate the waiting room facilities for bus passengers in Tarbert.

This follows concerns raised about the poor conditions people have to endure while waiting for buses. The area previously contained lockers and bench seating. However, these were removed in 2012 and only two fold-down seats are available for use.

Earlier today the MSP sent on a petition to the council, which he has received, and which had been signed by more than 250 Harris residents, asking for the facilities to be reinstated.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“I have highlighted this issue with the council several times in recent weeks.

“Many elderly people use this area to wait for buses, often for more than an hour, and I do not believe it is unreasonable to ask that they are able to do so with a basic degree of comfort; especially in the colder winter months.

“While the council maintain this is not a bus waiting area, it was previously used as this and continues to be used as this by locals as since there is nowhere else in the immediate vicinity.

“There is a clear strength of feeling from local residents that they want the waiting area reinstated. The fact this petition was able to raise more than 250 signatures in a matter of weeks is ample evidence of this. I hope the council will listen to these appeals.”