A RESIDENT from Randwick has called on villagers to save a bus service connecting them to Stroud.

Fiona Thompson contacted the SNJ to voice her dismay that the Cotswold Green Bus 230 will be providing a reduced service to and from the town centre.

The changes, which come into play on September 4, mean that the bus will only be running to and from Stroud from Randwick on Tuesdays.

Director of Cotswold Green Rob Arkell said that the bus company’s contract with Gloucestershire County Council to provide the public service expires on September 3.

“The 230 will go from a Monday to Saturday service to a Tuesday only service,” he said.

“It’s very much reduced service from six days a week to one day a week from four trips a day to two on Tuesdays.”

Fiona, who will be affected by the reduced timetable, said: “Cotswold Green provide by far the best service to Stroud and back.

“It isn’t fair to cut off the people of Randwick in this way, not everyone has a car.

“Residents need to act now to save their public service.”

A spokesman for GCC said that bus timetables will see changes to three community transport providers, Community Connexions, Cotswold Green and Stagecoach.

The authority argues it has been looking at the best way to ‘safeguard services’.

“Currently, the council subsidises bus services in Dursley and Stroud by £600,000 every year, with some routes in Stroud having a subsidy of over £30 per person per passenger return trip, far above the £8 agreed subsidy cap for rural services,” said the spokesman.

In Stroud, the current services 28 and 29 will be merged to become a new Stagecoach operated service, the 69, which will run between Monday and Saturday.

Although the service will run less often, the council has said that it will continue to serve the majority of the communities along the routes.

Stops that will no longer be covered include The Bear Inn, Amberley and the George Pearce House in Minchinhampton. Alternative transport for these stops will be provided by Community Connexions.

Communities not served will be able to access a new pre-bookable shopper service operated by Community Connexions, running to Nailsworth on Tuesdays and to Stroud on Thursdays. Concessionary bus passes will be valid on these shopper services.

Paul Riddick, chief executive officer of Community Connexions, said: “With the help of our drivers, many of whom are volunteers, we provide transport services across the county for some of the most vulnerable members of society.

“We are delighted that we’re going to be able to help even more people attend vital hospital and doctor appointments, visit relatives, get essential shopping and engage with their local communities.”

Due to a lack of use, services 261, 263, 264 and 267 are being withdrawn with some communities to be served on existing routes.

“We realise that changing services may upset people, which is why we have been working with local people and groups to try and provide services for those most in need,” said cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure.

“We are putting on events in Stroud and Dursley to try and share the information about the changes and I would recommend anyone who has any concerns to come along to one of the roadshows.”

Members of the county council will be in King Street, Stroud on August 22 between 5pm and 7pm to talk to bus users to let them know about the changes that may affect them.

Rupert Cox, managing director at Stagecoach West, said that the forthcoming changes will see the firm increase the frequency of links from Dursley to Berkeley, Bristol, Gloucester, Stroud and Thornbury.

For a full list of changes, please visit thinktravel.info