Business owners in White Hills fear a plan to shift a bus stop to outside their store will affect the number of customers they see, as well as pose safety risks.
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The bus stop that currently sits at 499 Napier Street - outside a pharmacy - will move a short distance up the road, to the front of 507 Napier Street.
Department of Transport northern manager of operations Barry Green said the move would improve accessibility.
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"The new location will ensure people with mobility and accessibility issues can get on and off public transport more safely, while able to access the nearby shops," Mr Green said.
The new bus stop will take up two current parking bays and will sit outside shops that include Richardson's Bakery.
Bakery owner Karen Richardson said the car parks facing removal were heavily used by customers of shops along that strip of Napier Street.
"If they take those away, we lose clientele coming to us," Mrs Richardson said.
She was also concerned motorists coming out of the shopping complex's small car park would not be able to see past any buses parked at the proposed stop.
She said only a handful of on-street parks would remain.
Helen Wakefield, the owner of neighbouring salon Hair Talk, said most people - especially older people - liked to park on the street, rather than around the back of the shops, as they did not have to walk as far.
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Mrs Wakefield said the on-street parking was also used often by tradespeople towing trailers who frequented the bakery, and people who visited the nearby coffee shop.
Delivery vans often took up the space within the off-street car park, she said.
Mrs Wakefield also echoed concerns about safety.
The Department of Transport's decision to move the bus stop has especially angered the business owners after the disruption they faced during the two-year Napier Street upgrade works.
Mrs Richardson said on-street parking had already been lost because of the upgrade works.
They also fear an extra blow during a year that has seen business dry up because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs Wakefield told the Bendigo Advertiser she was advised the current bus stop would not be replaced with car parking bays, and the new stop could not be moved in front of nearby residential housing because the footpath was not appropriate.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
