CHANGES to bus routes as a result of work on the Nothern Olympic Fringe could have mixed results, a councillor has said.

As of today (Tuesday), the 158 and 308 buses will travel via Crownfield Road, Leytonstone Road, The Grove and Great Eastern Road en route between Stratford and Leyton stations.

The diversions take the buses east of their previous route via Leyton Road and Angel Lane, and the changes were made after roadworks related to the Olympics began.

Cllr Edwin Northover, who represents Larkswood ward but lives near Thatched House, said: “While these essential route changes are a nuisance for those living on the Olympic zone fringe, they are a great relief to the users of the overcrowded routes currently served by the 69 and partly by the 58.

“Having two extra buses serve this route will help the local economy and provide commuters with more options.”

The 158 and 308 will remain on diversion until summer 2010 but will eventually retutn to their old routes, meaning it could be necessary to introduce new routes to connect Leyton and Leytonstone residents to new facilities in Stratford.