Council sits on bus cash pot - and is set to draw more from government - though it is about to axe services
By Nub News Reporter 23rd Aug 2023
ANGER is growing among rural residents whose bus services are about to be axed next month after it was revealed that Thurrock Council is to continue to receive government subsidies to run them.
Despite strong opposition from residents and councillors, including one who defected from the party ranks in protest, the council's Conservative cabinet members have shut down a number of routes including the only bus (374) that serves East Tilbury, Linford and West Tilbury as well as the number 11 bus that serves Horndon-on-the-Hill and Fobbing.
That is despite the Department for Transport confirming the council has received £432,857 for 2023/2024.
Transport portfolio holder Cllr Ben Maney, who drew criticism from residents when he described bus users as Plebeians (member of the lower social classes), has confirmed that there is still "a little over £120,000 remaining. He added: "No decision has been made in terms of how this will be spent yet."
And to add further to residents' anger he says the "the council will receive the same £432,857 allocation for 2024/25." He continued: "here is yet to be a decision on how to use this."
In bidding for the government cash the council stated that both the 374 and 11 are "socially necessary services" but they have now reneged on their own commitment – though they are still taking the money!
Kirstie Hattle is on of the organisers of a continued fight to save the services which includes a petition and Facebook page.
The petition can be signed via this link.
Kirsty says: "If this money has been provided "to protect and enhance bus services" as stated by the Department of Transport why would a decision need to be made on how to spend the remaining £120,000 and the future funding of £432,857?
"Why wouldn't this be spent on continuing to subsidise the bus services that need this support in rural communities?
"The Government is determined that everyone, everywhere should have access to affordable and reliable bus services and despite many residents expressing how they will experience the loss of jobs, education, contact with their family and friends, access to health services, leisure activities and experience isolation – nothing is yet to be re-instated or even considered.
"These bus services provide a lifeline to many individuals within of our community, as students rely on this to attend further education, our elderly, disabled and most vulnerable residents rely on the services to reach train and bus stations, medical appointments, social events and avoid isolation.
"People rely on this bus service for employment, connecting with family and friends and leisure activities and this access would be lost without the bus service, risking a negative impact to people's mental health and wellbeing.
"The council has previously deemed these services important enough to spend Section 106 money on improving bus stops (£50,000) in these areas which will now sit unused.
"Within many areas that I have mentioned there are no safe pedestrian routes to other areas within Thurrock as they are connected by busy rural lanes without street lighting, suitable footpaths, and no shelter in bad weather. Without a bus service, members of the community would be completely cut off from the rest of the borough.
"In East Tilbury we do have a train service. However, this is not accessible or suitable for everyone. This can be due to personal mobility, disability, accessibility, and finances (especially now the cost of living is so high), not everybody can afford to own cars or use taxi services. For example, the bus service is used by young people with special needs to gain independence where they can access support whilst on their journey.
"Lastly, our community is disappointed in the lack of humanity shown to it, especially the least able and vulnerable members.
"Several residents in East Tilbury are unable to walk as far as the end of their road, never mind getting to the train station. Elderly residents have received their bus passes after spending years contributing to the council to then have this much-needed service removed.
"Please help us get this service reinstated by supporting our Facebook group and signing the petition if you are a Thurrock resident."
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