Kingston Road, Staines

Image: © Martin Addison Taken: Unknown

Lots of interest in this 1976 view of a number 90 bus arriving from Richmond. The vehicle is an AEC Swift with Marshalls bodywork. Although dual entrance, in 1976 these vehicles had their centre doors sealed and additional seating installed and they were recoded from SM to SMD. They operated the route for only 2 years in this form before being withdrawn and replaced by Leyland Nationals. The stop is a rare example of a dual logo bus and coach stop and is still mounted on the old cast iron pole rather than the standard concrete stop that was introduced in the 1940's The shops on the left include a London Co-Operative Society (LCS) store complete with clock. The fronts of the stores here have all been rebuilt along with the roofline. The LCS is now Camberley Auto Factors. The line of trees behind the bus on the right of the shot still exists, but Staines Methodist Church on the corner of Sidney Road - the spire of which is visible above the bus - has been demolished and replaced with housing. The old church was demolished sometime after 1987 when a new building was erected in Thames Street. Info regarding the church supplied by Ian Sankey.

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