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Mums’ plea for more village bus services
Two mums have appealed for more bus services to be provided in a village.
Lindsay Puddephatt and Linda Kay, of Cockayne Hatley say their teenage children have limited options when it comes to travel, especially at weekends.
Linda also believes that the two buses a day provided for sixth-formers at Sandy Upper School are not sufficient.
She said: “I have children aged 11, 16 and 18 and the lack of a regular bus service is a real problem.
“If my children want to see their friends who don’t live in the village then they have to travel by car with me, as it is not practical or safe to walk.
“When school students reach sixth-form level they also have to pay £400 for an annual pass to use the bus that leaves once in the morning and comes back once after school.”
Linda said she had asked the council if buses passing through Potton Road could use Hatley Road instead to make it easier for villagers in Cockayne Hatley, but nothing had changed.
Lindsay added: “There used to be a regular service but it was stopped and no new ones have been introduced.”
Councillor Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities services at Central Beds Council said: “All the council’s budgets are heavily constrained at the moment, including that of public transport.
“Before we spend council tax payers’ money, it is important that we first assess the demand for services.
“Unfortunately, in this particular case, there is insufficient demand to support a viable bus service.
“A previous service through the village was stopped in 2008 by Bedfordshire County Council.
“That decision was taken after a survey showed that passenger numbers were exceedingly low on the Cockayne Hatley to Potton service, which ran for a three month trial period at the behest of the parish council.
“Official figures show that nobody from Cockayne Hatley ever used the service.”
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Weather for Biggleswade
Saturday 25 May 2013
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Temperature: 5 C to 15 C
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