A COMPROMISE deal looks likely between First York and councillors over problems caused by "speedy" bus drivers.

Furious councillors in Haxby and Wigginton rapped the transport firm for refusing to act on reports buses were hitting speed bumps too fast - sending bad vibrations shuddering through nearby properties.

Writing in a Liberal Democrat newsletter delivered to local homes, Coun Chris Hogg warned First its attitude to complaints about Eastfield Avenue and Oak Tree Lane becoming a "bus racetrack" was "not good enough".

The Liberal Democrat councillor added: "Despite repeated protests from City of York Council, First seem totally uninterested in the very real problems residents are suffering. They frequently have to live with their houses being shaken every ten minutes.

"The bus company's defence is that, if they slow down, they cannot keep to a timetable. That simply is not good enough."

He stressed that not all drivers were to blame. "If some can slow down, they all can," Coun Hogg added in the newsletter.

But after talks last week between the two groups - including council executive transport member Ann Reid - a compromise deal now looks likely.

Coun Hogg told the Evening Press First had promised to tackle the problem. "We've had discussions and seem to be coming to some sort of understanding. The bus company has been very co-operative.

"It was a problem, but First has already taken steps to stop it. They are on our side.

"Even when buses hit the speed humps at 30mph it can cause vibrations," added Coun Hogg.

First commercial manager Peter Edwards said all drivers had been asked in the latest company newsletter to "pay particular attention" to their speeds in the area. "From our point of view, technically, the area is still 30mph," he said.

"However, we are aware of residents' concerns and we appreciate the area has been traffic-calmed and traffic should drive according to conditions, showing consideration for people living on that route."

Coun Hogg said problems would be further eased by badly-needed resurfacing work on Oak Tree Lane, due to start from April.

Updated: 08:31 Wednesday, February 18, 2004