THE COUNTY’S transport cabinet have hit back at claims from campaigners about bus services in Evesham being ‘at risk’ of ‘further’ cuts.
The council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Councillor Mike Rouse, has called the claims from Vale Bus and Rail campaigners ‘completely false’ and ‘misleading’.
According to the group’s leader, Julian Palfrey, Evesham has lost various services to and from Alcester and Redditch, as well as many services to Broadway and other neighbouring villages.
The group also claimed, Evesham’s nearby town of Drakes Broughton had been left isolated with only one bus service into Evesham weekly.
Coun Rouse shot down the claims by stating there have been ‘zero cuts’ to Evesham bus services in ‘at least’ four years, ‘possibly more’.
He was also quick to point out, Drakes Broughton benefits from First Bus’ X50 service which runs several times a day.
He said: “This is entirely false and misleading information from Julian and his group.
“This is nothing but alarmist nonsense from Julian, and the standing of the Vale Public Transport Group is seriously harmed when it pushes such fake claims.”
The picture painted by Coun Rouse regarding transport in Worcestershire is quite different in fact. He has highlighted that the Vale of Evesham is expected to see the role out of Worcestershire’s On Demand bus service later in the year.
And, Wocestershire County Council has committed to subsidising local bus services until at least 2025.
“Since the story was published I have been in touch with the Vale Public Transport Group to ask them for the factual basis for their claims.
“Sadly, they have failed to provide us with evidence to support various claims made in the article, and so we are considering formal action,” Coun Rouse added.
Mr Palfrey said:
“Vale Bus and Rail’s fears about the future of our remaining bus services are genuine and as services come up for re-tendering we have expressed concerns that services could disappear by default unless the County Council works to safeguard services.
“Drakes Broughton may have an hourly X50 service but for many that involves an uphill mile long trek from the village particularly difficult for the elderly and less mobile.
“We are planning public meetings to give the public a chance to have their say.”
