Age UK calls for 'lifeline' rural Somerset buses to return

A charity is calling for the return of "indispensable" local buses to help older age groups.

Age UK, which campaigns on issues like poverty and loneliness, said: "The current system is at risk of further isolating vulnerable groups."

The charity has asked West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris to work with it on creating a bus service to support older people.

A funding dispute between Mr Norris and local councils saw 42 routes cut.

In a letter to Mr Norris, the chief executives of the Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire branches of Age UK expressed their "collective concern".

"[There is a need] for a more balanced approach to the provision of public transport within our region," they said.

Bus routes which are vital for communities but not profitable for bus companies to run have long been financially supported by local authorities who pay a transport levy to the Metro Mayor.

In rural North East Somerset, which is one of the hardest hit areas, many villages have been left without buses, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Chew Valley was left with just the one 672 service into Bristol, but later saw that cut too.

Marion Harrington, 90, who lives in Paulton said after her local bus into Midsomer Norton stopped running that people "haven't got the freedom we want".

In their letter to Mr Norris, Age UK bosses added: "Supported bus routes are indispensable, providing reliable access to healthcare, social engagements, and essential services for our older residents and those facing the greatest inequalities in our communities.

"They extend beyond mere transport services, acting as lifelines that foster inclusivity and enable fuller participation in community life."

The cuts came as the West of England received £57m of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the government, which was used to fund the birthday bus pass scheme and the WESTlink demand-responsive bus service.

At a West of England Combined Authority (WECA) committee meeting in October, Mr Norris set out a plan to spend £1.1m of the funding on supported services but vetoed a plan by council leaders to restore buses using £7m of leftover funding from his birthday bus scheme.

Margaret Dando, 80, from Paulton, protested outside the meeting.

Ms Dando said she relied on the number 82 bus, which picked her up on her estate, to visit her son in Midsomer Norton, who is disabled.

However she noted in October that with a 15-20 minute walk to the stop, she "won't be able to do that in the winter".

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