Bus routes saved (From Stroud News and Journal)

Bus routes saved

BUS users are celebrating a victory for people power after threatened services around Stroud were given a reprieve.

The threatened cuts in the Five Valleys led to a huge grass roots campaign by bus users to protect their services, which for many provided a life-line to Stroud.

Now, following negotiations with Gloucestershire County Council, bus operator Stagecoach has agreed not only to retain the vast majority of services but, in some cases, even improve them.

"We welcome the news," said Cllr Bob Tiley, chairman of Rodborough Parish Council who has spearheaded the campaign for better buses.

"We're delighted that the residents' opinions have been listened to.

"And it's not just Rodborough bus users who will benefit, those who signed the petition were mainly from the Mason Road area of Stroud and their efforts have paid off too."

The formerly-threatened 8/8a route, on which the public campaign focused, will continue to serve the Uplands and Mason Road area on the same frequency, though the 6.40pm journey has been cut due to lack of use.

A new service, 36, will replace the 8/8a route between Stroud, Rodborough and Kingscourt though under-used sections of the circular route through Dudbridge and Stratford Road have been cut.

"There were people who found the circular route beneficial but most wanted the direct in-and-out service which is what we've got now.

"It proves that the meetings we held were beneficial.

"It's really now up to the people to use the service."

Other changes include the 28 service between Stroud and Minchinhampton reverting to its old route via the centre of Minchinhampton and terminating at the Glebe Estate. Stagecoach commercial director, Phil Stockley, said the rescue package had been put together to meet the needs of the travelling public and a lot of the alterations had been made directly in response to requests.

"We hope this news will allay recent uncertainty that has caused many people to fear the worst for these services," he said.

"Local bus users can thank the county council for the funding which allows the routes to continue and we are pleased that our proposals have allowed more services to be retained."

Bus campaigner Linda Townley said there was still a need for the new Stroud Valleys Bus User Group.

"We are not setting up a bus users group just to protect this service," said Linda Townley.

"What happened with the 8/8a route was a warning.

"The bus users group is about having a voice all the time, not only when there are specific problems."

* The new timetables will come into effect on Monday, April 29.

SB