A DAD is calling for county transport bosses to reinstate a vital bus stop on a busy road – 14 years after his 11-year-son was killed by a car there.

Russell Cook raised concerns after the bus stop where his 14-year-old daughter caught the bus to school ‘suddenly vanished’ from the A46 in Woodchester in November.

The bus stop at The Old Fleece Inn and layby were removed after changes were made to the road, as part of the new Rooksmoor Mills housing development.

Now Mr Cook’s daughter must walk along a narrow overgrown pavement alongside the busy A46, which has a 40mph speed limit, and cross a junction, to get to a different bus stop, 227m away.

Mr Cook’s son, Scott was killed crossing the road there 14 years ago, so he knows from tragic experience how dangerous the road can be.

“My son was killed crossing the road there. And now my daughter has to walk 227 metres at 7.20am, when it’s still dark, then cross a junction to get to a bus stop.”

Mr Cook added: “A wheel chair user would now have to get along a narrow overgrown pavement down a curb up a curb to get to a bus stop.

“In a time when we are supposed to be making public transport accessible and reduce car usage, it’s unbelievable.”

There is still a bus stop on the opposite side of the road from where the bus stop was removed, by The Old Fleece, where buses stop in the carriageway to pick up passengers. Mr Cook said: “As the bus southbound, towards Forest Green, stops in the carriageway, there is no reason why a bus stop can’t be located opposite that also stops in the carriageway.”

Philip Williams, lead commissioner for highways infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We have the greatest sympathies with Mr Cook regarding the loss of his son and we fully appreciate the increased anxiety that this must cause regarding his daughter. Although permission was granted for this bus stop to be taken out, this decision was made seven years ago. Since then, new management has reviewed this issue and we will look for a better and more convenient location for a bus stop as soon as possible.”