Powys County Council had recently conducted a consultation on the future provision of public transport in the county which raised concerns among residents in rural areas of Montgomeryshire who were fearful that they would lose their local bus service.
Earlier this week (Monday), Russell George, AM for Montgomeryshire, was pleased to be able to coordinate a meeting between campaigners and the Leader of Powys County Council, Councillor Barry Thomas, to submit a petition and discuss the strength of feeling within rural communities about the potential impact of any decision to cut public transport services in Powys.
Commenting on Powys County Council’s decision to retain most of the current bus routes. Russell George said:
“I’m delighted that Powys County Council has listened to concerns and carefully considered the overwhelming view of residents that these important public transport links should be retained.
“In rural communities, the local bus service often provides a vital lifeline. There was a clear case for them to be saved and I’m pleased that the Leader of the Council, Councillor Barry Thomas, has been willing to listen and be pragmatic following his meeting with me and local campaigners earlier this week.
“While I recognise the need for Powys County Council to make a number of difficult decisions as a result of the Welsh Government’s grossly unfair funding settlement, cutting vital front-line services altogether is not the answer and I applaud the Council’s leadership for listening to residents’ concerns.
Notes
Earlier this week, A number of local County Councillors and Chairs of community and town councils joined Russell George AM and campaigners, to hand in a 1000 strong petition to retain bus route 76. The event was organised by Russell, and the hand in took place at the Welshpool County Council offices on Monday 13th July.