Asif Naziri and Deeya Nasa at the Mitsuryu sushi bar

IT has been an epic saga, an argument 20 years in the making – but next month the long-running and thorny question over the final destination of a bus route looks likely to be settled.

The No. 168, which begins its journey to Old Kent Road at South End Green, has for years been at the centre of a controversy over where the double-deckers should finish their route and then wait to set off again

Now, the Town Hall is canvassing opinion over plans to permanently close a slip road used by the buses to create an al fresco “streatery” to be used by cafes.

The plans would see cars banned from a short stretch on the northern side of South End Green and the 168 bus stand moved to South End Close, where the No24 currently waits. Other changes would be to expand a bus stop in Elm Terrace, next to South End Close, to create extra bus space.

The issue of the 168 bus stand was first raised in 2004, when developers demolishing the Hampstead Classic cinema – it was replaced with a supermarket and housing – led a campaign to move it, claiming it would improve the Green and make it easier to sell new flats they had built.

But the issue rumbled on as the question was never adequately solved in the minds of many residents.

In 2020, as the Covid pandemic struck, the Town Hall temporarily closed the slip road used by 168 drivers, giving cafes space to have tables.

Now, as the changes take a step closer to being permanent, opponents are airing concerns.
Agincourt Road resident John Wilson says the plans reveal a schism between businesses, wealthier home owners and those who live in more affordable streets nearby.

Calling it “a battle for the soul of South End Green”, he said: “It is an attempt to gentrify the place. It was first mooted by developers who wanted to maximise their profits.
“There is this vision of South End Green as being some kind of up-market destination with high property prices, rather than what it is – a transport hub, with lots of people living here who use public transport.”

He added: “They have not adequately explained how they will accommodate the buses in South End Close. If they close the 168 stop, the buses will inevitably end up in Fleet Road and Agincourt Road, affecting the residents, causing delays for ambulances, and harming Fleet Primary School.”

He argued the plans gave businesses use of land that was not theirs.

“All this does is take public space and turn it into private space. It is for the benefit of companies like Starbucks, who will incidentally gain the most benefit,” Mr Wilson said.

And he added an alternative would be send the No168 to Hampstead Heath Overground, with the buses driving up South Hill Park to deliver passengers to the lower slopes of Parliament Hill, before returning to the station to terminate.

But businesses hope the changes can help after a series of losses during the Covid shutdowns and now the cost-of-living crisis, at a time when prices for ingredients and energy are spiralling.

Restaurant owner Asif Naziri, who opened the Mitsuryu sushi bar in August 2020, said: “When the street was closed, it was good for everyone. We could increase the tables we served by 40 per cent. Having a row of big buses blocking out everything in front of your shop is never good, and any help is welcome.”

He said the temporary scheme had shown the idea worked, adding: “It was really nice – there was a lovely atmosphere. It felt like we were in France or Italy, with such a relaxed vibe.
“With the road open, no one can safely get to the Green in the middle. It could be so much nicer here and it is about time this was done, once and for all.”

In a leaflet consulting over the plans, the Town Hall said: “It enabled businesses to offer safe outdoor dining on the road during the pandemic while social distancing rules limited indoor seating.

“It also made it safer for pedestrians to cross the road to access the Green.”