Bassetlaw: Mann urges residents to fight to save evening rural bus routes

The warning comes after Notts County Council revealed it may have to reduce local bus subsidies as part of its plans to find £154 million of savings in the next three eyars, due to cuts in funding from central Government,

Mr Mann says evening services on the numbers 21 and 25 routes from Worksop to Doncaster are potentially under threat and may be withdrawn by operators Stagecoach.

This could leave areas such as Harworth and Bircotes isolated and without any bus services after 6.30pm.

“It could be devastating for rural communities such as Harworth and Bircotes to lose evening these eveing bus routes,” said Mr Mann.

“This could have a disproportionate impact on people who rely on these buses and who work late in Doncaster or Worksop, and could mean that they then have no alternative means of getting to and from work.”

“However, this is by no means a done deal – it is just a proposal – and I know the council are keen to hear the views of the local community.”

“The plans are currently open to consultation and so if residents want to keep their local bus services then this is their opportunity to save them.”

Local residents have until Friday, 17th January to put their views to the county council.

They can do so by calling the council’s customer service centre on 0300 5008080, completing a comment card at their local library, completing the freepost form in the council’s Budget Challenge booklet available in libraries and other council buildings, or by writing to the council at FREEPOST, RLUR-UXJJ-ETZZ, Nottinghamshire County Council, County Hall, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7QP.