Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has this week backed calls from hundreds of concerned residents who are opposed to possible cuts to a local bus service.
Tessa Munt says she has been contacted by many residents who are unhappy about the County Council’s possible abolition of the 113 bus service, which runs from Berrow to Highbridge station, passing through several large estates in Burnham.
As first reported here, over 540 people have signed a petition calling on Somerset County Council not to cut funding for the popular service.
Tessa told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Many older residents rely on this service to do their shopping, and get to doctors’ and dentists’ appointments. The service is popular as it is routed close to housing which means young and old can still travel into Burnham for essentials and stopping it would have a huge impact on the everyday lives of many local people.”
During a recent meeting with the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street, she raised concerns regarding the state of public transport in rural areas.
She added: “The amount of correspondence I have received about the cuts to bus services demonstrates the strength of feeling amongst local people who are opposed to them. They are not fair and not necessary.”
“The Government is making extra funding available for bus services in Somerset, and I hope that the County Council doesn’t miss the opportunity to fund more buses as they are absolutely critical to local residents’, businesses and employees’ needs.”
“I am particularly concerned about the impact these cuts to bus services will have on young people and the elderly. I would urge everyone who is concerned about these cuts to write to Ken Maddock, the Leader of Somerset County Council, to make their views known.”
