When The O2 opened in June, it gave Greenwich a top-class entertainment complex. But many of the borough's residents say transport problems are putting them off going. CLAIRE BURKE and MICHAEL REILLY report.

WITH top-class music performances, an 11-screen multiplex cinema and a wide range of bars and restaurants, The O2 is impressive by anyone's standards.

But many residents from nearby Eltham still haven't paid a visit.

They say the bus service, which goes via Charlton and Woolwich, takes too long to get there.

The 161 route aims to take around 30 minutes but, according to passengers, often takes up to three quarters of an hour.

Residents now want a shorter, more direct route -which is being championed by Eltham MP Clive Efford.

He has long campaigned for an express bus service between the town and north Greenwich, in addition to the 161.

Mr Efford said: "I can leave my house, walk to the train station, get a train, get off and walk to my office in Westminster by the time it takes for the bus to get to The O2 from Eltham."

He wants to meet London Mayor Ken Livingstone to discuss his plan.

Mr Efford added: "It is about time the people of Eltham had an opportunity to access the facilities at The O2."

He says the service could travel down Rochester Way, Eltham, and the hard shoulder of the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Approach could be turned into a bus lane.

Mr Efford said: "There should be a really fast link from Eltham to Greenwich."

A Transport for London spokesman said: "The 161 route provides a valuable service to the people of Eltham.

"London's bus network is constantly under review to ensure we are providing the best possible service to those who live in, work in or visit London."

A spokesman for The O2 said: "The O2 wants to make transport to and from the venue as easy as possible for residents.

"We continue to work closely with Transport for London to improve services."

ON THE BUSES

NEWS Shopper compares the journey to The O2 by bus and car.

CLAIRE'S Bus Journey:

  • Departs: 5.04pm
  • Arrives: 5.51pm
  • Journey time: 47 minutes
  • Bus Fare: £2
  • Route: Well Hall Road, Eltham; Shooters Hill; Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich; Beresford Square, Woolwich; Anchor and Hope Lane, Charlton; Bugsby's Way, The O2.

HIT THE ROAD

MICHAEL'S Car Journey:

  • Departs: 5.10pm
  • Arrives: 5.29pm
  • Journey time: 19 minutes
  • Car Parking: £5 for four hours
  • Route: Well Hall Road; Westhorne Avenue, Eltham; A2 Rochester Way; A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach; Blackwall Lane, Millennium Way, The O2.

What you say

Gary Cottrell, 38, from Shooters Hill, who works in Shoecare shoe repairs in Eltham High Street, said: "I normally use the car but would consider using the bus if it was was quicker."

Full-time mum Kerry Coombes, 28, of Middle Park, Eltham, said: "I think the new service would be a lot better than the 161, which gets really packed.

"It would be great for the kids during the holidays and loads more people would go to The O2.

"There isn't much for people to do with a low income. It would do so well."

Retired engineer Thomas Jones, 75, of Arsenal Road, Eltham, said: "The 161 is a terrible service. It takes so long. I usually drive but would consider using the new bus route if it is quicker."

Nurse Sue Nayder, 58, of Baldwyns Park, Bexley, shops in Eltham. She said: "I would use the service if it was quicker. I think most people complain about how long it takes on the 161."

Butcher Mervyn Morley, of Froissant Road, Eltham, works in Express Meats in Eltham High Street.

The 51-year-old said: "If there was something going on at The O2, I would use the new service.

"My wife complains a lot about the 161. It takes such a long time to get to Greenwich."

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