THERE are hopes ‘common sense’ will prevail as bus passengers in Houston call for disused shelters to be moved to protect them from the elements.

After several of the stops on the McGill’s X7 route through the village were discontinued, the protective shelters at them have been left in place.

Meanwhile, less than a mile away, stops being used remain without any protection, leaving passengers exposed to the wind and rain.

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The issue has been raised by Houston Community Council and Councillor Jim Sheridan, who are asking for Renfrewshire Council to take the shelters from the unused stops and move them to the ones in use.

Janet Mason, of the community council, said it is ‘horrendous’ waiting for a bus with no shelter. 

The pensioner, who doesn’t drive, often finds herself getting soaked. 

She added: “This is something we have been asking for for a few years. The shelters are just sitting there and instead you are standing there getting soaked.” 

John McEvoy, chairman of the community council, supported the calls. 

He said: “It does seem like we have an opportunity to make use of the shelters not being used at the moment.

“Hopefully, common sense will prevail and the council will make it happen.”

Cllr Jim Sheridan, who represents Houston, Crosslee and Linwood, added: “We are simply asking for the council to move these shelters to stops which are being used.”

Unlike in other parts of Scotland, the council has sole responsibility over the condition and placement of bus shelters. 

A council spokesman said: “Disused bus routes are often reactivated after a period of time by the bus operator so it must be clear the route will not be brought back into use before alterations are made.

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“The request for specific locations of new bus shelters in Houston was received in October and officers are reviewing the request.

“Any new shelters deemed appropriate will be put forward for grant funding in the next financial year. We will ensure Houston Community Council and local councillors are kept fully informed.”