A restaurant in Barnes wants a bus stop to be moved as it causes visibility issues for customers and "causes problems" from bus passengers.

Walter from Walter's Bistro on Castelnau has called on Transport for London (TfL) to relocate the Lonsdale Road Bus Stop J to another spot where it cannot block the front of his or neighbouring businesses.

The chef and owner also says passengers waiting for the bus create issues outside the restaurant.

"There's a TfL bus shelter right in front of our bistro that blocks visibility and often causes problems between bus passengers and our customers," said Walter.

"The shelter in front of my business completely obscures my window, while often people waiting for the bus harassed my customers and damaged my garden furniture."

Damage on chairs which Walter claims is from disruptive bus passengers (credit: Walter's Bistro).

Seeking support, Walter got in touch with Councillor Marjie Millum, who explained that the Council were "unwilling" to engage with TfL as the Lonsdale Road bus stop was there before Walter's Bistro.

In a letter to Walter, Cllr Millum said: "I am afraid the Council's position is that the bus stop was in situ when you took over the lease of the property and they are unwilling to engage with TfL to have it moved for business purposes as it would set a precedent throughout the borough."

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Walter says local councillors initially expressed support for his situation but that after three months of communication they told him no change would come.

"It's disappointing, especially given their (councillors) public stance as supporters of small businesses in Castelnau and their promotion of a 'Castelnau Parade'," admitted Walter.

He added: "Apparently the police said other small businesses complained about the bus shelter and antisocial behaviour of the TfL customers.

"I tried everything possible to advertise my business but as of today, I still have residents walking in stupefied they never noticed my business - and how ugly and dirty it is outside."

TfL said it has no plans to relocate the Barnes bus stop (credit: Walter's Bistro).

TfL carried out an inspection of the bus stop on 15 July 2025 to assess Walter's concerns and found "no evidence of the issues described".

The bus stop, which has been in place since the late 1960s, serves approximately 266 passengers a day.

TfL said: "The footway in front of the commercial properties, including 187 Castelnau Barbers, 189 Walter's Bistro, and 191 Castelnau Post Office, provides approximately 2.4 metres of borough-owned footway and an additional 0.9 metres of private paved area.

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"A clear demarcation line separates the public and private spaces, and the area was found to be open, flush, and free of visible trip hazards or obstructions.

"Given these findings, there are no current plans to relocate the bus stop or shelter. However, we remain committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility of all our infrastructure."

Walter's Bistro is an Italian-British restaurant which opened in June 2025.

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