County councillor fights to save bus services for the elderly
January 24, 2012 11:24 AM
Originally published by Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats
A leading Cambridgeshire County Councillor is calling on giant bus company Stagecoach to rethink changes to two Cambridge services heavily relied upon by elderly residents.
Caroline Shepherd, who represents Trumpington, is worried about people living in the Royal Albert Home at Hills Road who use the City 1, City 3 and two Park and Ride services.
The buses stop outside the home and the elderly residents use them for visits to the doctor and the shops and to attend church services, socials and lunches.
But as the CB1 development progresses, Stagecoach plans to divert the buses around Station Road so that they will no longer stop outside the home.
The company claims the changes are designed to alleviate congestion in this busy part of the city. Residents will be left with just one bus service - the number 13 - which, although it runs every half hour during the week and hourly on Sundays, doesn't stop at Tesco where the residents shop.
Cllr Shepherd said: "Although these residents are independent, they can't walk far and these buses are convenient because they stop outside their homes and take them where they want to go.
"And there has been little chance for people to have their say on these proposals. The consultation consisted of details posted at the Park and Ride sites, a sign on the side of a bus and a discussion at a county council P and R business strategy group meeting.
"I have raised this issue with Stagecoach but so far it has had no effect. These residents rely on these services not only to take them to medical appointments and for shopping but also for their social life.
"I am worried that without them they will find it difficult to get out and about and could lead to some of them becoming socially isolated which in turn leads to poor health. Stagecoach needs to realise that elderly people living in the city rely on bus services just as much as those living in rural areas."
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