Bus Consultation Response Meeting 18/06/2015

As Chair of Buckden Parish Council Garry Schofield welcomed the assembled parishioners of Buckden before presenting an update on the ‘bus service situation.

In addition to objecting to the new proposals in the strongest possible terms, Garry explained that it would be helpful to include in its response a consolidated view from the community regarding the sort of service required in order to prevent being presented with a system which will not work, will fail and thus leave the community with nothing.

It was explained that the P.C. believes that a daily scheduled daily ‘bus service is an essential amenity for the Upper Dale, being a key feature in sustaining the local community & economy.  Losing the ‘bus service would inevitably have a knock-on effect on other services, therefore the importance was stressed of individuals responding to these proposals by filling in the online consultation form (link below) in addition to the mass community response.

Cllr. Chris Clark informed the meeting that the consultation period finishes on August 14th 2015 whilst the results will be known in mid-December, thus time is of the essence with a response.

Cllr. Clark outlined the past details stating that any changes made to scheduling or proposals for a community transport system needed to be repeatable down the Dale.  The meeting was made aware that if the decision is not replicated down the Dale, Cllr. Clark will have to support the majority.

There were many thoughts and suggestions from the floor all of  which will be taken into account at a later date.

In conclusion, Garry asked the meeting to accept or reject the NYCC proposals which resulted in an unanimous refusal to accept.  The assembly also unanimously agreed to pursue in tandem the right to keep the service, albeit with some timetable changes and to look into the possibility of developing an Up-dale volunteer service.

A feasibility study for the viability of the scheme should take place and be researched to ascertain whether or not it is achievable.  The parishioners agreed that the P.C. should now move forwards on this matter.

Vice- Chair of Kettllewell  P.C. stressed the need to work together on this and said she would be feeding back to the Council in due course.

Meeting ended at 8.30 p.m.

Click here to access slides used (objectives slide has been updated to include points agreed in meeting)

Click here to go to the Consultation page on the NYCC website and make your views known