Lib Dems To Campaign To Reinstate 44 Bus Service To Worcester Royal (West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats)

West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats <contact.us@westworcslibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems To Campaign To Reinstate 44 Bus Service To Worcester Royal

September 1, 2009 2:18 PM

Local Liberal Democrats have vowed to fight with the public to reinstate the direct bus service from Malvern to Worcester Royal Hospital.

Under rescheduled services starting today, the 44 from Malvern will now terminate at County Hall, five minutes short of Worcester Royal, meaning hospital patients and visitors will have to change buses in the City centre to travel on to the hospital.

Malvern's four Liberal Democrat County Councillors and parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt have already been contacted by people incensed by the change.

Malvern Langland County Councillor, Penelope Morgan said: "No-one has been asked about this service cut, and people are furious that the direct link to the hospital should be broken for the sake of a few minutes travelling time. It just doesn't make any sense."

Malvern Chase County Councillor, Steve Brown said: "Residents are up in arms. We will run a petition to present to the County Council on the 1st October calling for the reinstatement of the service and we shall be contacting pensioner, patient and community groups in the district to lobby for support."

All four councillors, including Councillor Clive Smith and Councillor Beverley Nielsen, will also raise the issue with the Leader of Malvern Hills District Council in a meeting scheduled later this month.

Local parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt said: "The Conservative County Council's decision to slash £300,000 from the bus travel budget has led to service cuts all over the county.

"However, this seems to be the most stupid and senseless cut of the whole a package, and I will be writing to the bus operators and the Leader of the Council to ask them to think again."