As many of you will know, I have written to several constituents who have contacted me about changes to the Newent to Ledbury bus service. On that topic, Gloucestershire County Council has today announced funding for a new trial bus service between Tillers Green, Dymock, Gorsley, Kilcot and Newent. I would like to thank Cllr Philip Robinson for his diligent work on this issue. For this pilot to be a success, residents need to use this new service and I will pay close attention to the results of the trial. I have copied the Gloucestershire County Council press release below:
“A new bus service will be provided in the Newent area with help from funding from Gloucestershire County Council.
The new 632 service, which will operate in Newent on Wednesdays and Fridays, has been set up following the decision of Stagecoach West to withdraw the 32/132 service from Newent to Ledbury and Newent to Ross-on-Wye.
Stagecoach’s decision was taken on a commercial basis due to low passenger numbers resulting in the service running at a significant loss. The new community initiative has been funded by Gloucestershire County Council, parish councils and local business, and has been led by a community action group, Buses4Us.
The service, operated by Newent Community Transport, began operating on Wednesday, April 27.
The new service will run for a six-month trial period, after which the service will be reviewed before any decision on future funding is made.
The bus will stop in Tillers Green, Dymock, Gorsley, Kilcot and Newent.
Newent Community Transport stepped in to partner with the county council to cover the transport gap left by Stagecoach’s withdrawal. The service aims to help support the local community and reduce rural isolation.
In addition to the funding for this new bus service, the council also supports the door-to-door Dial A Ride service and local buses operated by Newent Community Transport.
Cllr Philip Robinson, Cabinet member responsible for public transport at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I am delighted that the council has been able to help fund this community-led service to support the community following Stagecoach’s decision to reduce its bus services in the area.
“The new 632 bus service will play a useful role to make sure residents can still access public transport where bus operators no longer run a service.
“I would encourage residents to use this new service. Using public transport is one way that to reduce carbon emissions and thus help bring about a Greener Gloucestershire.”
For more information about the new service, contact Newent Community Transport on 01531 821227.”