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Picture of Liddell Gardens road with circle frames of cracks in walls

Speeding buses causing cracks in house walls and doorways, Brent residents claim

The Kensal Rise neighbourhood in Brent are campaigning against Metroline and TfL after buses began to be transported through the residential streets between 5am and midnight.

The 28 buses are allegedly speeding as they go over speed humps, which residents claim send ‘earthquake-like vibrations’ through Liddell Garden’s houses.

On the dispute, journalist Conor Woodman, 50, said: “It feels very David and Goliath.

“A big corporate entity is steamrolling over residents saying they don’t want to upset their neighbours but at the same time completely ignoring their concerns.

“I wonder if one of the directors at Metroline had a double decker gong past their house at five in the morning they might feel slightly different.”

Woodman has contacted Metroline, TfL and local councillors since July but said no solution has been reached, having been told there is no economic alternative available. 

He added that on July 11 he received correspondence from TfL stating the buses should not be using Liddell Gardens and Metroline had been told that information.

He said that two weeks later, it later apologised for giving him ‘misinformation’. 

Philip Gerhardt, TfL’s Head of Bus Performance, said: “TfL and Metroline continue to work closely with residents and Brent Council to address their concerns. 

“We always welcome feedback on our services, and we continue to explore long-term alternatives.”

Woodman said TfL, Metroline and the council had a meeting on July 23 with some Kensal Rise residents, but no Liddell Gardens residents were invited.

Numerous residents expressed strong concerns in how the buses are affecting their daily life. 

Marketing manager Hannah Layton, 33, said: “The house shakes, when the buses first started, I was waking up a lot.

“I’m expecting in November, poor baby, I’m already thinking: ‘is the house going to be shaking?’.” 

The cracks are showing in Liddell Gardens. Image credit: Sam Norman

Administration Officer Anette Huppauf, 59, said: “Even though I’m 2 rooms back and spent £10,000 soundproofing my room, the vibration is like a tremor and an earthquake.”

Kathy Slevin, 79, said: “In the morning they wake me up at quarter to five.”

Residents shared concerns over safety regarding the alleged speeding of the double-deckers through the residential area.

Solicitor Oren Klug, 40, said: “The buses just fly down.

“The double-decker down here feels like the whole house is relocating.”

Klug referenced his dad who compared the effects of the buses to the beginning of an earthquake. 

Metroline have said Liddell Gardens has proved to be the most suitable light running route.

A Metroline spokesperson said: “We have been engaging closely with the residents of Liddell Gardens and Doyle Gardens since concerns were first raised, including attending meetings with residents alongside representatives of TfL and Brent Councillors.

“We continue to reassure residents that drivers are regularly reminded to use appropriate speed on these roads and to be considerate of the residents in the area.”

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure said a traffic survey has been undertaken to help determine whether there is a better route for the bus to take.

Liddell Gardens’ local councillor Stephen Crabb said he was concerned about residents claims and has taken action to investigate the speed of the buses and is currently awaiting results. 

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