23/07/10 - Councillors Meet Bus Boss To Protest Against Cuts

The three Conservative councillors for Abbey Meads ward have had a meeting with the boss of Thamesdown Transport this lunchtime to protest against the withdrawal of the bus service in Ash Brake. The bus serving the estate is due to be withdrawn from Sunday as part of a package of changes to bus routes across the Borough.

Thamesdown Transport says it has no choice because of a reduction in the subsidy the company receives from Swindon Borough Council.

However, Cllrs Vera Tomlinson, Peter Stoddart and Peter Heaton-Jones today told Paul Jenkins, MD of Thamesdown Transport, that it was unfair that the Abbey Meads ward is being hit hardest by the changes.

Cllr Vera Tomlinson said, "Thamesdown Transport would not budge.  We suggested changing a couple of buses each day so that Ash Brake would still get a service, but the company said that would be impossible for logistical and timetabling reasons.  It's very disappointing that our area is being penalised again".

Cllr Peter Stoddart said, "Of course money is tight, but to pull the bus service out of Ash Brake altogether does seem harsh.  Thamesdown Transport said they have done a survey which showed that very few people were using the service, but try telling that to the people who rely on it and who cannot walk to a stop on the other side of Thamesdown Drive".

Cllr Peter Heaton-Jones said, "Once again, Abbey Meads ward seems to have been particularly hard hit.  Even though Thamesdown Transport wouldn't reverse the decision, they have promised to consult better in the future and also to review this whole package of changes in six months.  In the meantime, we'll continue to fight for residents throughout the ward".