Please think again on cuts to bus services

IT has been disappointing to learn in the press of BCBC’s recent decision to reduce the subsidy on certain bus services within the borough of Bridgend. It is understood the reason being is to create a net saving of £136,000.

As previously raised, the lion’s share of consumer wealth is known to be owned by older people, and there is subsequently an obvious need to encourage this particular sector of our society - as well as younger members of the public, to visit the town as much as possible to contribute to its economy. With its many empty shops, many feel Bridgend is failing.

Nevertheless, as well as the facility for shopping the town currently provides an extremely important social role. Friends and relatives often come together for coffee or lunch in pubs, restaurants or cafes, and older citizens regularly enjoy organised functions at the Evergreen Hall adjacent to the council offices.

Understandably mobility is vital if this is to happen, and it must be recognised that, for many, driving is not an option – and public transport therefore becomes a vital facility for such people to do this as well as for some to visit their GPs.

It is known that loneliness causes more deaths in Wales than heart disease, and it is well recognised that social activity makes a huge contribution to peoples’ health and well-being – particularly to those living alone – and the absence of which has a negative impact on our already overstretched health service.

Any cut in bus services is therefore felt to be a negative step - and the proposed relatively small amount saved questionable.

Welsh Government have recognised the importance of and to issue free bus passes to those in later life, with England later following suit – but what’s the point in having one if there are no buses serving one’s local community?

Couldn’t the £136,000 have been found by a small increase of a few pence per week? The 30,000 or so older people in the borough alone paying 8p per week would raise this sum. I’m sure, if asked they would do so. Don’t readers agree?

Interestingly, it was found that 89% of the reported 974 people who responded during the consultative stage were against the proposed cuts. Although this figure is felt to be not truly representative of the borough’s population, the point was clearly made.

Councillors, please think again. Howard Lewis UK Older Peoples’ Advisory Group