PETITIONS AND press releases from across the political parties indicate the strength of feeling towards the threat to cut funding for the 374 bus service.
Orsett councillor, Sue Little presented a petition at last nights (Wed) council meeting.
Ella Vine, Labour’s candidate in the local election for Stanford le Hope West is also supporting the community in their campaign to save the number 374 bus. Ella has liaised with her colleagues at Thurrock Council and with Transport Minister, Baroness Kramer, to save this much needed bus route.
Ms Vine said: ‘’I am determined to save this bus route. I understand that Thurrock Council must make savings because of the cuts from the Tory-led Government but I disagree with this proposal and I made it clear to decision makers what I stand for.
“This bus takes people to Basildon Hospital on one side, and Orsett Hospital on another. We could only imagine what effect a closure of this line would have on residents, especially the elderly and other vulnerable people. Additionally, many working age people use this route to get to work. If we cut people’s only access to get to work, what will happen to their jobs, and for young people, to their job prospects?
”That is why I have brought this to the attention of the Transport Minister and I am currently having a dialogue with her to find out what government schemes are there currently that would provide help or solution to this situation.
"I have also encouraged the minister to think about introducing schemes that will protect transport to rural communities and communities needing to get to local hospitals , for example, by ring fencing government’s or departmental funds to protect such vital transport schemes. I am glad that the minster has listened to me and is willing to cooperate to find a solution, so that we will protect our communities now and in the future’’.
