THURROCK Labour’s transport spokesperson, Lee Watson, has vowed to fight Conservative proposals to axe bus routes 11, 265 and 374.
Cllr Watson is using council procedures to “call – in” the Conservative Cabinet’s decision to stop subsidising these bus routes as they struggle to balance the books.
Councillor Watson said;
“These bus routes are a real life line for many of our residents – they weave together our communities so that no town, village or resident is isolated.
“The majority of people that use these services are those who can least afford to lose them. Folk on lower incomes, the elderly, students and those who don’t have access to a car.
“People rely on these buses for shopping, getting to school or college, visiting friends and family and – crucially – to get to hospital appointments.”
If Councillor Watson’s Call – In request is accepted, the council’s Planning, Transport and Regeneration Committee will consider her argument and could ask the Tory cabinet to think again and reverse their decision.
Councillor Watson said;
“It is despicable that the Tories want to cut these vital services to help fill the financial black hole that their mismanagement of the council has created.
“It wasn’t these residents that crashed the council and it is absolutely unfair that – on top of a 10% Council Tax hike – they should lose services they rely on.”
