Lib Dem councillor dismayed by bus cut-backs

1.01.36pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 27th Jan 2006

Ros is very concerned about the bus cut-backs in her area.

Lib Dem County Councillor Rosalyn St Pierre is very concerned by cut-backs to local bus services in the Barcombe area that will seriously impact on the lives of local people.

Rosalyn has written to the Council's Lead Member for Transport and the Environment to highlight the concerns of residents affected by the cuts.

She writes, "[T]he number of buses is severely curtailed.....one route is totally withdrawn.......from Barcombe to Newick through Spithurst."

She points out that due to these changes, "those who are vulnerable, the young and the elderly are now more isolated from a major service."

Speaking about the cuts Rosalyn said:

"Once again the Council has not paid any attention to the needs of local residents. On top of these cut-backs in services the bus station waiting room at Lewes is frequently shut. There is nowhere for elderly or disabled to sit out of the weather. Barcombe bus users are so fearful of missing a bus for their return journey that they turn up well in time at Lewes.

Buses form a vital lifeline for people who need to get around in this area and do not have access to a car. The Tories on County have once again shown their lack of commitment to public transport in the region."

Barcombe MP Norman Baker added:

"I am very concerned to hear of yet more cuts in public transport provision. The Liberal Democrats are committed to providing quality public transport and it is very disappointing that another crucial rural bus service is to be lost. They have not even bothered to ensure that the new timetable meets trains!"