CLLR Oliver Gerrish, Thurrock Council portfolio holder for Transport, has welcomed the input on bus services from residents in Horndon on the Hill and Fobbing. Cllr Gerrish visited the villages last Saturday (14th September) to meet residents and discuss the need for local bus services, along with the chair of the Council Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Brian Little.
Cllr Gerrish said “I’m very grateful to all the residents that took the time to meet me and discuss the needs of their local area. I think that some very good points were made in an open and constructive way. We have been running a consultation on this issue, and while it is crucial to look at the results of that consultation, there is no substitute for getting out and seeing things for yourself.
“I’ve said before that I am passionate about keeping local bus services running, and there is no doubt in my mind about the principle: these isolated areas should have a service. However, the issue has never been about the principle. Rather, the question is practical: how do we find the resources to get a full service to these areas given the huge scale of the Government cuts and the squeeze on funds all across the council. There is no simple solution.
“That is the challenge that the Council Transport committee have been asked to give recommendations on. I will not promise anything that I cannot be sure of delivering for residents, but I will continue to work with colleagues of all parties to look for the best possible solutions given the financial circumstances.”
