Changes to Bus Routes in Cheltenham Update

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood has welcomed the Conservative-controlled County Council's u-turn on some local bus services but has asked for an explanation of why the threatened W bus service is still facing the axe. And he wants an explanation for why Cheltenham was singled out for the cuts in the first place.

Martin said 'We saw significant protests against the axing of the K and J buses and the Conservative administration have obviously seen the writing on the wall and made a welcome u-turn. But the u-turn isn't finished. The biggest protest of all was by residents in the Cleevemount estate against the axing of the W bus service and no mention has been made of saving this service which is a lifeline for many vulnerable and elderly people. Why has their voice not been heard?'

Martin said the administration’s u-turn left other questions unanswered too. 'Why was Cheltenham singled out like this in the first place? No other district in the county was considered for a hit to its public transport like this. They're already neglecting Cheltenham's roads and pavements and making life hell for people on foot, in wheelchairs, on bikes and in cars. Then they wanted to take many of our bus services out as well. It's all very well for my Conservative opponent to celebrate the u-turn but it was his own party that threatened the cut in the first place!'

Local resident Glenda Combe said ‘I’ve sent Gloucestershire County Council over 100 names objecting to the scrapping of the W service. I hope Cllr Waddington will listen to our concerns. The loss of this bus will make life extremely difficult for many elderly residents who will not be able to walk to the suggested alternatives”

Martin is writing to Conservative cabinet member Councillor Stan Waddington to ask him to meet residents still threatened by the bus cuts to explain to them face to face why their services are being withdrawn.