27th January 2012

WINSHAM: Threat to bus service

ONCE more MP David Laws is on the attack over bus service cuts proposed by Somerset County Council, warning that service reductions will leave residents in the village of Winsham “isolated from the rest of the community”.

As part of its dramatic package of cuts to local services, the county council has proposed cutting the single bus route serving Winsham.

The withdrawal of the Number 90 bus route would leave Winsham with no public transport, stoking fears that residents without access to privately-owned cars will be unable to travel to nearby towns and amenities.

Concerns have also been raised over the lack of consultation that the council has engaged in with local residents before deciding to abolish the route and to withdraw the service without putting in place alternative provision to allow residents to cope with the withdrawal.

Mr Laws said: “The removal of the Number 90 bus route will leave Winsham completely isolated from the rest of the community.†

“There appears to have been no thought given to those who don’t own cars and how they might access local hospitals, schools and shops if the bus service were stopped.

What will the many elderly people who live in Winsham do if they can no longer rely on public transport?

“We also see yet again a damaging decision taken by the county council without any consultation with residents.

“At the very least the council should look at re-routing other buses to make sure the residents of Winsham aren’t cut off.”