Almost 2,000 people in Stone have signed a petition calling for bus services in the town to be protected.
Staffordshire County Council is reviewing its subsidies for bus services that cover Stone. A consultation to gather views before decisions are made closed last month – more on that HERE.
Two Stone campaigners, angry at the short period of consultation that they say wasn’t adequately promoted, have been collecting signatures for the last few weeks. A petition containing over 1,600 signatures was handed in to Staffordshire County Council headquarters recently – and more signatures are continuing to be collected.
The county council currently subsidises 13 bus services that cover Stone…
Petition organiser Julie Reeves say these services are vital, especially for older people in the town and surrounding rural areas. She said: “The residents of Stone who frequently use the local bus services feel very strongly about this and there is a lot of worry and concern in the town. Any loss of our local services will cause many problems within our community. Many people are unable to walk the distance into the town and rely on these services.”
Any changes to the bus services will come into force in April, so a decision is imminent. Petitions are still available to sign in The Wine Cellar in Oulton Road, and at Birchill & Watson and the Co-op in the High Street.
County Councillor Simon Tagg, Cabinet Support Member for Transport and the Connected County, said: “The county council is committed to retaining bus services for all communities in the Stone area and recognises the important role these services play. Our ambition is to grow the bus network, increase passenger numbers and ensure tax payers get value for money. On certain routes, we are looking to deliver service improvements, however this depends on the quality of tenders from local bus operators.
“Over 600 Staffordshire residents responded to our consultation for this service review. These consultation responses have provided valuable input into the review process and will inform our decision making when we award contracts for new services.”
- buses
- Julie Reeves
- Pat Howard
- petition
- Philip Jones
- staffordshire
- Staffordshire County Council
- Stone
- transport
9 comments
Laura
I put 2 emails in to staffs council and got replys from both stating the bus service will not stop just be reviewed.Fab work done by Pat and the community 4 pulling together on this pressing issue as we gave said it is not just for the elderly in the town it’s across the board!.Living on Aston a Lodge and unable to drive yet…I would be lost without the bus service getting my 5yr old 2 Christ Church in a morning in the cold and wet etc.The drivers themselves deserve praise as well Sue and David are amazing…caring friendly and faultless….Many Thanks to all involved on this matter…a Stone Bus Service User Regular!.ladypx
Jamie Summerfield
Thanks Laura. Let’s hope that’s the case. The statement from Cllr Tagg today seems promising too
Caz Bailey
Is there a copy of the petition at Walton anywhere? Or online?
julie Reeves
Hi Caz, sorry no petition in Walton that I am aware of, but you can get copies from Age – Concern in Stone if you want to get some and put them in a local store in the Walton area. If you cant please let me know and I will get some into the local shops in Walton.
Cheers Julie
Caz Bailey
Thanks, Julie. If you could put a copy in Walton Co-op, that would probably be the best place. Londis, too (Walton Stores).
Cheers
Caz
julie Reeves
Hi Caz will do so, someone also said the fish and chip shop, so will give it a go. Can you spread the word that this is where the petitions will be.
Cheers Julie
Jamie Summerfield
Thanks for that, Julie
Jamie Summerfield
As far as I’m aware, not in Walton at the mo. But I will mail Julie to see (she may even respond here!). An online petition would be good
Paul Blount
The consultation period was immediately after Christmas , Quietest time of the year on all services .