Branscombe Bus Bother (3)

Diversion Disappointment

Axe Valley Travel's 899 is often diverted away from Branscombe. When Roger French was thus diverted je reported that the diversion was "only a short distance" via the A3052, 

Roger's diversion is shown on the above map in GREEN. Whilst the mileage may be "short" it represents approximately one third of the total route length; and it leaves the long drawn out Branscombe completely unserved.

Branscombe has an all-year-round population of a modest 500 souls, augmented significantly in summer by holiday homes, holiday lets and visitors in general. 

Here is the 899 timetable from the Devon County web site.

The school day only (SD) journeys do nor run via Branscombe but instead serve "THREE HORSE SHOES Inn".

This is said inn in the 1930s ...

... this is the inn a few years ago ...

... and this is the inn today.

Yes, gorn for ever! 

Geographically it is "in" Branscombe - but it patently isn't.

The development that replaces it does not seem to have a name ...

... it remains anonymous on all maps!

But the diverted 899s go that way. 

The non-diverted route is rejoined here ...

... just in time to collect/deliver crowds (?) visiting the Donkey Sanctuary ...

... before rejoining the A3052.

So there are FOUR journeys Monday to Friday via Branscombe and THREE on Saturdays - unless there aren't because of repeated road closures. 

Real bus riding enthusiasts will try to catch a bus via Sid ...

The 0930 from Seaton and the 1240 from Sidmouth follow the YELLOW road (see map above) to serve the community of Fortescue, sometimes called "Sid". Open Street Map shows us the highlight of the route ...

... namely Fortescue Phone Box. 

And there it is, complete with bus stop "flag" for the 899.

Such is the truly wonderful public transport experience delivered by fbb! Sid (or Fortescue) is on the posh side of posh, so only the occasional passenger will join or alight. But he route via Sid is much nicer than the boring main drag.

And yes, it is called "Sid Road".

The normal service just follows the main road vua Sidford ...

... into Sidmouth, terminating at "The Triangle". Here there used to be three matching shelters made of environmentally acceptable timber. The local "youff" burned one down but it was replaced with a "near match" and the visual congeniality was happily preserved.

But now the two original unburnt edifices have been demolished and replaced with horrible glass and plastic "advertising" shelters ...

... leaving the wooden fire damage replacement looking decidedly odd.

Surely the originals have not been torn down just to get free shelters from the advertising contractors?

But at least Devon County bus stop flags proliferate, but with small printing as usual.

So, if you have your portable step ladder with you and thus can read it ...

... you can catch the 9A to Lyme Regis.

You would have a very long wait! The 9A does not extend to Lyme Regis any ,more - withdrawn by Stagecoach.

The 9A goes no further than Seaton/

Perhaps someone should tell Devon County Council!

Which brings us back to the appalling and repeated bad treatment of Branscombe's bus passengers.

We must accept that digging up narrow roads may well present a problem for public transport. But Axe Valley run a reliable service over a route that deserves to attract visitors and locals alike.

It seems a disgrace that the best bit of the route is taken from them so often. In view of the need to dig holes now and then, fbb has some suggestions.

1. Dig the holes on SUNDAY when the 899 does not run

2. Run a minibus or taxi "shuttle" connecting with the diverted route.

3. Ensure that the hole diggers pay compensation to AVT

4. Co-ordinate hole digging to reduce the cost of the above.

It ought to be possible!

But if our readers get the chance, PLEASE ride the 899 - you WILL enjoy it!

Enormously.

 Next "How Much" blog : Wednesday 3rd August 

Branscombe Bus Bother (2)

 Branscombe Blocked!

The direct route to Branscombe is not available to AVT buses as there is a 6ft width restriction, So buses have to turn north and run via a non-place called Woodhead.

The road brings you out just past the "Hotel", The Mason's Arms. If you drive via "Vicarage" you arrive at the main central square of Branscombe ...

... where once were shops, alas no more and the cream coloured building (flats) which was the Peco factory. The other shop on the opposite side of the square ...

... also closed down, is obscured by the pick-up in the Streetview equivalent.

The Masons Arms is popular today (and pricey for meals) but it has been there for many many years.

It has been extended into an adjoining cottage.

But the post box is still nearby!

The 899 appears from the right a few yards past the hostelry, thus missing the delights of The Square.,

It has a bus stop, frame and timetable.

But the fbbs didn't! At the mysterious Woodhead, instead if turning left and squeezing along yet another narrow lane ...

... the 899 simply zoomed past the turn and sped onwards to the main road.

fbb did wonder how the driver would get back down to Branscombe. But he didn't. Branscombe was missed out completely.

There had been no announcement; there were no bus stop notices, Branscombe was totally ignored, apparently with no concern for any passengers to or from the village. 

Various bits of the village are strung out along over two miles of road and none was served.

From Vicarage to Street and beyond there was simply no bus service and no information. It was assumed that the Branscombe residents would just know, as well they might. But passengers TO the village would get a shock!

So fbb will have to take you via the delights of the village courtesy of Streetview rather than courtesy of Axe Valley Mini Travel!

We pass a row of reasonably "modern" houses and the definitely modern village hall.

... and the definitely un-moderh Blacksmith's shop. And it is genuine - it does the whole hot fire, clanging hammer and big anvil blacksmithing job.

Then it is uphill to the Church and down steps to gain entry.

It was only a few years ago that St Winifred's gained a toilet in a little hut at the east end.

This "facility" was formally opened by the Bishop of Exeter. It is not recorded whether His Grace actually used the facility as part of the opening ceremony!

Just past the C of E is the competition! Sadly, whilst the state run service for saving souls still trades, the non-conformist chapel is withdrawn from ecclesiastical operation.

All the way up the hill to the part of the village called "The Street" there is a whole variety of cottages old and new ...

... and all intriguing and delightful.

Two signs of life and living are visible at The Street. It has a post box ...

... and a carefully obscure bus timetable in a frame.

Not much use when fbb travelled as no buses ran! There is also a house with a very strange name,

Does it really have four letters "o" or is it a bad stitching job by Streetview. The list of listed buildings suggests Streetview as the solution.

But is this an older sign replaced and updated with extra vowels?

When fbb next drives that way, he must observe closely!

The last significant building is The Fountain Head, whereat the fbbs have dined.

It brands itself as ...,

... and it is! Full of intriguing crooks and nannies ...

... with a non pretentious bar ...

... and "top scran" nosh. A definite fbb recommendation.

The stretched-out Branscombe begins to fizzle out after the pub but there is at least another half mile in which to do some "old cottage" spotting ...

... mostly tastefully "up-fettled" ...

... and all probably incredibly expensive!

But not a jot of this excellent entertainment was available for the fbbs, and, more to be point, residents seeking a bus to Sidmouth, Beer or Seaton.

And this happens regularly. Here is Roger French's experience!

But he missed all of Branscombe!

Poor!

Tomorrow we complete the ride and (thrill of thrills) explore the very boring diversion.

 Next Branscombe Bus Bother blog : Wednesday 2nd August