Our Council Must Subsidise Vital Rural Bus Services

Bromsgrove Lib Dems have welcomed news that an agreement between Diamond and Worcestershire County Council has been reached to extend and reroute existing bus services to some areas affected by the loss of the 202.

However the group have criticised the extended services as inadequate for parts of north Bromsgrove affected by the loss of the 202 which have not been covered by the agreement, such as Lickey End.

Rob Hunter, Lib Dem Councillor for Norton and Lickey End, expressed dissatisfaction that the agreed arrangement would not cover the area in which he lives and represents.

Cllr Hunter said: "The extension of the 145 and 145A is welcome, but it is not a substitute for the loss of the 202 which still leaves people in north Bromsgrove with fewer bus services."

He added that Worcestershire County Council must start subsidising rural bus routes properly and provide a real alternative to cars.

Cllr Hunter's comments were echoed by local campaigner Sam Evans, who set up a petition to save the 202 on the party's website.

He said: "I want to thank all those who signed our petition and those who worked cross-party behind the scenes to save the vital service. However, it is disappointing that some areas affected have not been covered by the new arrangement."

"The County Council must protect vital bus services in the future, subsidising them if necessary."