A BRADFORD bus user has hit out at changes to services and worries that pedestrianisation could completely "kill" the city centre.

As roadworks continue in Bradford and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Bradford Council forge ahead with plans to pedestrianise the city centre, a new bus loop was introduced earlier this month.

One elderly man has spoken to the T&A this week to talk about his experience of using the bus services.

Alan Whitrick, of Fairweather Green, said: “We’re regular bus users and the other day we came down Thornton Road and wanted to get off at the temporary bus stop outside The Alhambra.

“It was a temporary bus stop but we couldn’t get off there as the bus driver went straight on and said we weren’t allowed to use it.

“A half dozen people wanted to get off there but we had to go on to Nelson Street and get off the bus there. But it was just chaos at that stop.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The bus stop on Nelson Street in Bradford.The bus stop on Nelson Street in Bradford. (Image: Newsquest)

“Why put that temporary bus stop there in the first place?

“I understand that the Interchange is closed and they’re trying to do their best.

“I’m not impressed. Why on earth haven’t they finished the roadworks in the city centre before they opened this new bus loop?

“They should finish the roadworks and then introduce this bus loop.”

Mr Whitrick also explained that plans to pedestrianise the city centre will cut off access to central bus stop locations like Market Street, which he said will make it more difficult for elderly people like him and his wife.

He said: “She’s got a bad hip and is finding it hard to go into town now.

"She used to go the bank on Market Street but she can’t do that now because she can’t walk very far.

“I know the idea of pedestrianising it is to get people to walk and cycle, but this could kill the city centre completely.

“You’ve got to do it right and use a bit of common sense.”

A West Yorkshire Combined Authority spokesperson said: “We recognise that city centre construction works, alongside the closure of the Interchange bus station, are challenging for people in Bradford.

“This is a big change to the city’s bus network — we’re working closely with our partners to minimise disruption wherever possible and will continue to respond to feedback.

“We have this week carried out a follow-up accessibility assessment with disability access groups and Bradford Council and will continue to work with them and look to implement recommendations as soon as possible.”

The T&A has also asked Bradford Council for a comment.