leahortez86: Campaigners win battle to save bus services from cuts

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Campaigners win battle to save bus services from cuts

FIVE under-threat bus services have been saved from the chop following fierce campaigns from passengers.

The services, run by Bakers Coaches, were earmarked for the axe after Staffordshire County Council reviewed its subsidies in light of reduced Government funding.

Now the 423/424 route from Mow Cop to Leek; the 33/33A from the Westlands to Newcastle; and the 77 service from Congleton to Hanley have been saved.

The 423/424 route will continue to run until at least September 2 after the county council gave it a temporary stay of execution.

But passengers are being warned the future of the service will be reviewed again in the autumn.

Longton-based D&G Buses has stepped in to run the 33 and 77 routes.

The timetables for the services have all been altered following the shake-up.

But bus users in Mow Cop are unhappy with the new times for the 77 bus, because it only stops in their village three times a day.

The earliest it can drop people off in Hanley is at 10.51am and the last bus home is at 4.10pm.

The Saturday service has been cut altogether.

Residents in Mow Cop say if they need to use a bus to get into Hanley for work during the week, they must now walk half-a-mile up a narrow country lane to catch First's 99A service.

A petition was signed by more than 350 people protesting against proposals to axe the number 77 service.

Diabetic Frank Booth, aged 80, of Wilmer Crescent, uses the service to visit the health clinic in Kidsgrove regularly.

He said: "We've always used buses and now we've got the free bus passes they take them away from us.

"It's bad for the people that are working because they need the bus to go shopping on a Saturday."

Janet Ashley, who runs Mow Cop post office, said workers would be badly affected.

She said: "People can't walk up to get the 99A because you're taking your life in your own hands. There's no lights and no pavements on the lane.

"The Saturday bus used to be quite full because of kids going to Hanley and Congleton.

"These people can't afford taxis and a lot of the older people gave up their cars because of illness or not being able to afford them."

Speaking about the continuation of the 423 and 424 services, Bakers Coaches spokesman Michael Frewer said: "It is good news. The morning timetable has changed and we'd urge customers to check it so they don't miss their buses."

County councillor Mike Maryon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We are protecting this route despite enormous pressures on council budgets. Our top priority is supporting the drive for prosperity."

D&G was unavailable for comment.