Bus shelter removed from outside of KGH

The eyesore shelter in Rothwell Road, Kettering – about 10 metres from where the bus stops on the same side of the road as Kettering General Hospital – was removed recently, leaving many waiting for a bus in the open.

Confusion reigned as to who owned the shelter, but with no apparent owner KGH took action and removed it as it was on its land and bricked up the gap which was left.

KGH’s director of estates Derek Shaw said: “The old shelter had attracted some damage and misuse over the years.

“We discussed its future with the county council and agreed that KGH remove it and make good the area.”

The bus stop serves passengers on Stagecoach buses from Corby, Rothwell, Desborough, Northampton, Moulton, Holcot, Old, Mawsley, Broughton and Market Harborough.

A spokesman for Stageocoach said the firm was disappointed.

The spokesman said: “While we understand why Kettering General Hospital may have wished to remove the shelter we are disappointed they haven’t replaced it.

“This will clearly be a disbenefit to those who travel to/from the hospital.”

Speaking in the sunshine earlier this week, hospital visitor Steve Dursey said: “It’s OK on a warm day like today but what about winter?

“The old one wasn’t great but at least it stopped you from getting wet.”