Lib Dems Back Plans to save threatened Bus Routes

12.00.00pm GMT Mon 7th Dec 2009

Bus 64 at Reading station for Woodley

Local Liberal Democrats are pleased to note that Wokingham Borough Council officers are recommending that funds are provided to ensure that some of the recent cuts in bus services in Woodley and Earley, announced by Reading Buses, are partially replaced.

The community will have to wait see what the Conservative leadership in Wokingham decides at their meeting on 10th December. However, it is expected that the campaign by residents and Liberal Democrats will have created enough pressure to ensure that many services will be saved.

Gareth Epps, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Reading East, said: "I have had a huge response to my bus survey and I know that these services are a lifeline to many residents. The Lib Dem organised petition has now received over 1250 signatures - I am sure residents will smell a rat when the Reading East MP suddenly arranges a public meeting the day after the Wokingham decision is due. Once again it appears that he will turn up for the photo opportunity rather than putting any effort into the campaign."

Phil Challis, Wokingham Borough Councillor for Loddon said, "We expect the 62 bus service to be saved, and the areas of Woodley Airfield that Reading Buses had abandoned to get a replacement weekday service."

Steve Scarrott, newly elected Earley Town Councillor, said, "It looks like the service on the No. 22 will have an improved frequency, but like everyone else we will have to wait to see what the Executive decides."

Prue Bray, leader of the Liberal Democratic Group at Wokingham Borough Council, said: "I am pleased that these services will be saved, but I hope that the Conservatives are not going to find the money by cutting other transport subsidies. It appears that they are going to review other transport. I would not want to see any reduction in funding to any important services such as Readibus, which help some of the most vulnerable people in our community."

HISTORICAL NOTE: Lib-Dems have already demonstrated that they care about local public transport. When the local bus operator 'Tillingbourne' collapsed in 2001, Wokingham District Council (then under Lib Dem control) immediately arranged for a replacement operator to serve the 144 route from Reading to Wokingham via Finchampstead, and provided initial funding. Since then, the operator Thames Travel has gone from strength to strength, and has established a base at Finchampstead.