Lewes MP slams proposed changes to local bus services

Norman Baker, MP for Lewes has criticised East Sussex County Council about the level of proposed cuts to local bus services announced.

In a bid to save £1.79 million East Sussex County Council has announced a consultation of proposed cuts and alterations to bus services across the county which will see hundreds of people affected.

Routes included in the consultation cover some the rural services in the area, proposing reductions from every 2 hours to a twice weekly service, such as Barcombe – Lewes – Alfriston and the 824 Village Rider service for off peak periods.

Some Lewes local bus routes would see services reduced from a half hourly service to hourly, to include Winterbourne to Lewes Town.

Seaford are facing losing their Sunday service to Eastbourne and reducing the daily hourly service to 2 days a week. People seeking to travel between Tunbridge Wells and Brighton Monday to Saturday of an evening, which includes Ringmer and the Malling area of Lewes, could also lose their service.

Newhaven, which is also braced to lose their last bank being advised to travel to nearby branches, face having their travel plans scuppered as cuts are proposed to the Lewes to Newhaven service, covering much of the Ouse Valley, from an hourly service to a 2 hourly off peak service and the Newhaven Local 145.

Norman said: “I am astounded at these significant proposed cuts to local bus services. This will not only greatly affect how people choose to travel, at a time when we are all being encouraged to use public transport, but for many this is their only link to important services such as medical appointments, education, essential shopping and work. Residents of local villages are particularly at risk from becoming completely isolated without access to public transport.

“These types of cuts are not just an inconvenience but will greatly affect people’s day to day living. I can appreciate the difficult financial challenge, but it is difficult to accept with millions being invested into the Hastings to Bexhill by pass.

“I would encourage East Sussex County Council to listen very carefully to local residents during this consultation and consider the wider impact on people’s lives.”