Call to keep hospital buses

There was a call this week for assurances from Forth Valley NHS that the bus services from Clackmannanshire to Forth Valley Royal Hospital will be maintained.

The bus services went out for tender last year and included options to integrate services with Clackmannanshire Council and maintain the current service.

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown said: “When it was agreed to locate the new hospital at Larbert, a commitment was given to provide a comprehensive bus service which would allow communities across Clackmannanshire to access the hospital and I am clear that Forth Valley NHS are obliged to ensure this service continues.

“Last year, I welcomed the moves by Forth Valley Health Board and Clackmannanshire Council to try and integrate their bus services on the basis that there should be no diminution to either the frequency of, or the routes covered, by the current H1 and H2 services and this remains my position.

“I have requested an early meeting with the new chief executive of the Forth Valley NHS to emphasise the importance of the H1 and H2 buses to the people of Clackmannanshire and to stress the case for the continuation of the service. ”

A spokesman for NHS Forth Valley said: “We are working with Clackmannanshire Council and discussions are ongoing.”