PASSENGERS slammed plans to cut Dursley's bus service at a lively public meeting last week.

Organised by the Cam and Dursley Transportation Group (CDTG), the meeting was held in the Chantry Centre and was attended by around 30 members of the public on Wednesday, August 15.

The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to air their disappointment at bus provider Stagecoach’s plans to reduce the service from Dursley to Gloucester from hourly to two hourly from September 2.

At the moment, the 60 and 62 both run from Dursley to Gloucester. But from the start of next month, the 62 will stop doing so, and will run between Bristol, Berkeley and Dursley only.

Dursley Town Councillor Wendy Thomas, who is also chair of the CDTG, chaired the session, and James O’Neill, commercial manager at Stagecoach West and Loraine Patrick, Gloucestershire County Councillor spoke at the meeting and listened to the public's concerns.

Many people were angry and spoke of the hardship of not being able to get to work, hospital appointments, college and school. Extra buses at peak times only were suggested.

James O'Neill of Stagecoach said the company was making the cuts as it was making a loss of £80,000 loss on services to Dursley. He said putting extra buses on at peak times was not an option, as all buses are in use at peak times.

Cllr Loraine Patrick, of the GCC, said she would take up the hardship issues raised with the appropriate county council officers.

She would like people to give her details of specific issues that the new timetable presents for them.

Cllr Wendy Thomas added: "So if you are going to struggle to get to your job, or will need to leave 90 minutes earlier to get to school, or won't be able to make your hospital appointment, please explain how.

"We cannot stop the changes coming in September, but we can lobby hard to see if we can get the service restored or improved in the long-term.

"If you would be willing to pay a small amount more on your council tax to have this service back, let Cllr Patrick know in your email."

Email: loraine.patrick@gloucestershire.gov.uk