BUS chiefs have been urged to reconsider ‘drastic’ cuts to services across Malvern which could leave a number of residents cut-off should they be given the green light.
District council leader Coun David Chambers made the impassioned plea in a letter to First Bus warning them the proposed changes would have a ‘substantially detrimental impact’ on the district and leave residents ‘at risk of isolation’.
Coun Chambers hopes to meet with bus chiefs in the coming weeks in a bid to persuade them to reconsider the proposed cuts, which could be implemented as early as next month.
Of the 24 routes affected by the changes from September 17, nearly half affect communities in the urban areas of Great Malvern as well as Upton, Hanley Swan, Malvern Wells, Welland and Callow End.
According to council chiefs, more than 5,400 households in the district do not have access to a vehicle and more than 1,300 of them are households where the residents are in work.
Crucial
Coun Chambers also stressed cuts to the direct link to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital for town patients would be a ‘major loss’.
“For many people in this district their local bus service provides their only means of getting around,” he said.
“This is not only crucial to allow them to access employment opportunities, attend GP appointments and do their shopping, but is also a vital link to the outside world.
“I completely understand these services are commercial routes but I believe First Bus need to give them more time to become embedded and operate efficiently.
“I hope they will take up the opportunity to come and meet with me and my fellow councillors to discuss these drastic reductions in, and withdrawal of, services.”
Natalie McVey, a Green party councillor on Malvern Hills District Council, has also handed First Bus bosses a petition which has been signed by more than 560 concerned residents who are urging the service provider to reconsider their position.
Nigel Eggleton, manager director at First Worcester, confirmed to the Observer he had written to both Coun Chambers and Coun McVey inviting them to a meeting to discuss the proposed changes in Malvern and awaited a response to his offer.
What do you think of the proposed cuts to services? Email your thoughts to [email protected] or write to us at the address on page ten.
