645 Bus service axed

Concerns have been raised by residents and local councillors about the decision to axe the 645 Eldon Square to Sunniside bus service.

The decision by Go Gateshead bus company to axe the important bus service could lead to an estate in Sunniside becoming cut off.

The bus service will disappear in September and will coincide with a reduction in level of service for the 643 which also serves the village.

The 643, which serves Watergate in Whickham, will have the 7.48am and 6.16pm weekday Sunniside to Metrocentre and the 8.16am Saturday Sunniside to Metrocentre withdrawn. In addition, on school days, the following services will be dropped: 8.16am Metrocentre to Sunniside, and 3.16pm Metrocentre to Sunniside.

“Residents of the Sunniside Estate in particular are feeling cut off from a decent bus service,” said Councillor Jonathan Wallace. “The 645 was a lifeline for many as a service running through Whickham Village and Dunston Hill.

“The loss of this service is a heavy blow and it comes on top of the lack of services down Sunniside Road to Gateshead. People have already raised concerns with me about being able to get from the Sunniside Estate to the Whickham and Dunston.”

Councillor Yvonne McNicol, who represents Watergate, said, “The 645 is an important service for residents of Watergate Estate and its loss will cause much hardship for many people.

“The loss of the 645 will be felt in Dunston Hill as well. It is a popular and important service for many residents and I am surprised and quite angry it is being axed.”