BROMSGROVE’S Labour Group headed to the streets to speak to residents after the 97 bus service, described by some as a ‘lifeline’, was axed.
The bus route, previously run by AWOL company Euro Liners, served Sidemoor, Whitford, Charford, Rock Hill and stopped at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital on Stourbridge Road.
Councillors set up a stall on Bromsgrove High Street to speak to those affected and to collect signatures for a petition asking for ‘better bus services in Worcestershire’.
Coun Harrison Rone-Clarke (Lab, Rock Hill) said: “For people who have limited mobility the 97 bus service was their only way of getting to the hospital.
“Residents now feel feel isolated and have been completely left in the dark.
“The problem is we are powerless as councillors when dealing with a private company – we need bus services to be publicly run.”
According to Coun Rone-Clarke, 94 per cent or residents replied ‘yes’ when asked ‘have you or anybody you know relied on a bus service which has been re-routed or axed’.
Coun Sue Douglas (Lab, Sidemoor), whose residents have also been affected by the cut, said: “No one, including Worcestershire County Council, has been able to contact Euro Liners.
“We believe the company went bust but we haven’t had confirmation.”
The Standard tried contacting Euro Liners but was also unable to contact them.
Labour said they would now look to lobbying the county council which is currently reviewing transport services across Worcestershire.
