AN EPIC campaign by residents to get a bus route along their street has finally succeeded after almost 20 years.

People living in New Wanstead argued for decades that the lack of buses in their area was leaving pensioners stranded and denying public transport to hundreds of people.

But now after years of pressure from protests, petitions and letters, Transport for London (TfL) have finally agreed to divert the route 66 bus, which runs between Romford and Leytonstone, down New Wanstead and Wanstead High Street, pending a consultation exercise.

Campaigner Jan Spurling, who is the warden of retirement complex Weavers’ House in New Wanstead, said she was delighted.

She added: “it’s absolutely incredible news. We’ve been campaigning for such a long time and it was so badly needed it’s wonderful we will finally get our bus.”

David Lock, of nearby Cambridge Road, agreed.

He said: “It’s fantastic. Over the years I’ve been told by people we wouldn’t succeed but for me it was the challenge. We never gave up.

“According to local statistics there are 378 elderly people living in New Wanstead. There’s so many of them with limited mobility and they’re people who can’t go out on their own unless they get a mini cab or diall-a-ride. A bus will give independence to so many people.

“But it will benefit young people as well, this is good for everyone.”

Wanstead councillor Sue Nolan said: “It's absolutely great as some of the residents in that part of the area have longed to have a bus service there. There's some elderly care homes around there so we are delighted it's finally come to fruition."

According to council documents: “Since 2002 Redbridge [Council] has been in negotiations with Transport for London to divert an existing bus route, or provide a bus route that would serve New Wanstead.

“Residents and councillors have been concerned that many elderly people living in New Wanstead do not have access to a bus route and therefore are cut off from some services.

“It has been agreed by Redbridge [Council] and TfL that diverting the route 66 along Wanstead High Street and into New Wanstead is the most practical solution.”

The location of the new bus stops will be set at a later date.

A spokeswoman for TfL said: "London Buses is currently carrying out a consultation on route 66. The proposal is to reroute the 66 between Wanstead Station and the Green Man roundabout via Snaresbrook High Street and New Wanstead.

"This would provide a better bus service for residents of New Wanstead.

“The consultation closes on Friday 17 April. Anyone wishing to respond to the consultation can do so by emailing STEngagement@tfl.gov.uk or calling London Buses Customer Services on 0845 300 7000.

"Depending on the outcome of the consultation and completion of highway works the changes could come into effect from this summer.”