THE removal of a bus stop in Cricklewood has cut a lifeline for elderly and disabled residents and campaigners are calling for it to be reinstated.

The bus stop in Cricklewood Lane was removed in May to make way for a new pedestrian crossing outside the Virgin Active Healthclub, but it has not been replaced.

Residents in the nearby Westcroft estate say the stop provided an essential service for them and it is difficult for them to reach the nearest alternatives.

Residents said they used buses from the stop to get to vital services including shops, doctors and hospitals.

A petition signed by hundreds of people has been handed to Barnet Council calling for the bus stop to be replaced.

One disabled resident campaigning for a reinstatement is Joseph Heavey. Mr Heavey, who survived polio as a child, said: “Taking away this bus stop has taken away my freedom basically.

"It’s really needed for the elderly and the disabled of the estate and surrounding areas. It’s an injustice that it has been taken away. It’s a nonsense. Nobody was consulted.”

The residents’ campaign is being supported by councillors Monroe Palmer and Susette Palmer, who represent the area on Barnet Council.

Cllr Mr Palmer said: “Barnet Council has put forward numerous proposals to London buses and the police, but they have rejected the council’s suggestions due to safety concerns.”

Barnet Council planning officials said the stop cannot be replaced because of concerns raised by police and Transport for London (TfL).

Elliott Hill, one of the council’s highway engineers, said: “Due to the safety concerns, they [the police and TfL] are not happy to re-provide a stop. Obviously they have to protect their users. It’s been ongoing for several months, we originally consulted with them last summer.”

In a statement Transport for London (TfL) said: “TfL was not involved in the initial discussions with Barnet Council which saw the installation of a new pedestrian crossing near to Virgin Active on Cricklewood Lane.

"Due to the proximity of the crossing to the existing bus stop it was removed due to safety concerns. "All new bus stops must now fully accessible and meet current Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) guidelines.

"Barnet Council has suggested various alternatives but both TfL and the local police do not consider these fulfil the guidelines nor provide a safe alternative considering current road conditions.”