Bus service lifeline for villagers (From Gazette Series)

Bus service lifeline for villagers

STRANDED villagers in Uley have been offered a lifeline after the county council announced it would subsidise an extra morning bus service to the village.

From Monday, the number 258 bus will run between Uley and Dursley, catering for users who faced being stranded by cuts.

The Gazette reported two weeks ago how bus company Stagecoach announced it would restrict its number 20 service from tomorrow.

The firm said it had to cut the bus journeys to an early morning and evening skeletal service, much to the dismay of residents who used it for essential daytime trips like medical visits to Stroud and Dursley.

Stagecoach blamed the cutbacks on the road works in Cam and congestion.

Gloucestershire County Council announced at an extraordinary meeting held by villagers last Thursday that it will lay on a replacement morning service six days a week.

Stroud district councillor Janet Wood (Uley, Independent), who was behind the campaign to keep buses serving Uley, said: "I am pleased that the county council has come up with a shopping service, which is the priority need but it is limited.

"We want feedback and on a positive note the council has said it will provide a service if it is to be used."

A petition of 100 signatures has also been handed to county councillors Dennis Andrewartha and Margaret Nolder. .

Residents hope this will bring a "fair and adequate bus service" to the area - beyond the current concession.

Mary Shearer, a mother of two who lives in Uley, said: "We still need a direct connection to Stroud. This news may help, but it's inconvenient for trips that take longer than a quick shop, like swimming."

The new bus timetable will be displayed in the village shop, where a suggestion file is being held. Village youth groups will also be consulted and the county council is keen to hear people's views.

Transport manager for the authority Derek Lucas said: "The county council will be providing extra journeys between Uley and Dursley to meet residents' needs.

"These extra journeys will operate on a trial basis and will be reviewed later in the summer to see how frequently they are being used."

To contact Mr Lucas e-mail derek.lucas@gloucestershire.gov.uk See letters page 23.