Bus Services Slashed (Eastbourne and Willingdon Liberal Democrats)

Eastbourne and Willingdon Liberal Democrats <office@eastbournelibdems.org.uk>

Bus Services Slashed

December 21, 2006 12:18 PM

Only weeks after the Conservative Group on Eastbourne Borough Council gave their backing to Eastbourne Bus Board Chairman Patrick Warner, the Company have announced major service cuts across the town.

At the time when Liberal Democrats called for Councillor Warner to be replaced, he was asked a direct question about future fare increases and whether there would be any cuts to services. He responded by saying that "far from cuts, services would actually be improved" Liberal Democrat Leader David Tutt has commented: "we were suspicious of this statement at the time but never believed that cuts would be announced so soon!"

One of the worst hit areas is Old Town. County Councillor Maurice Skilton is outraged by the changes which will come into force on Monday 8th January. As he explained on Service 7, both 07.16 and the 08.01 buses from Cherry Gardens Road to the Terminus Road are to be cut and the first bus into town will now run at 08.31. This is no use for people needing to get to work or catch trains." Maurice continued "the off peak service is also being cut on this route and will now only operate once every 2 hours instead on every hour"

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary challenger Stephen Lloyd added, "the changes will impact communities across Eastbourne as services are withdrawn from: Langney, Old Town, Hampden Park, Shinewater and Sovereign Harbour. This is a sad day for Eastbourne Buses and a real worry for the travelling public".