Bus users join up (From Stroud News and Journal)

Bus users join up

THE fight for better buses for Stroud gained momentum this week following two well-attended public meetings in Rodborough.

The meeting had been called by chairman of Rodborough Parish Council Bob Tiley in response to the growing concerns over the future of a number of well-used bus routes which serve Stroud and surrounding parishes.

"There was considerable anger that so many elderly residents, young mothers with children and those without cars were being left with the minimum of service," said Cllr Tiley.

"In their opinion this would amount to fewer people using the buses whereas both central Government and Gloucestershire County Council are talking about more residents using public transport.

"Clearly it was felt that this talking had to be backed up with financial resources."

Those at the meetings will be urging Stroud District Council to leave the bus station alone until after the May elections when there could be a new administration with a fresh set of views on provision for public transport.

The concerned residents also agreed to set up a group to protect the interests of bus users in the Five Valleys.

"It will lobby the bus companies, local authorities and central Government and act as an information point to encourage more bus usage," said Linda Townley, one of the organisers in the group.

"The bus user in Stroud need a voice," she added.

"Services in Stroud are under threat and a user group will work to encourage bus use and act as a representative voice for local users with operators, the county council and transport campaign groups."

Anyone who would like to join the newly-formed Stroud Passengers Action Group should call either Cllr Tiley on 01453 765842 or Mrs Townley on 01453 756547.