Lib Dem Councilllors save number 13 bus service in talks with First (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dem Councilllors save number 13 bus service in talks with First

April 17, 2008 11:04 AM

The proposal from First York to make cuts to the Number 13 bus service, which runs between the city centre and Monks Cross, has been withdrawn, following talks between First York and Leader of the Council, Steve Galloway.

The proposed cut to the Number 13 service would leave many residents of Woodlands Grove, Straylands Grove, Westlands Grove, Meadow Way, Elm Park Way, Elm Park View, Elm Park Vale, Elmlands Grove, Elmfield Terrace and Stray Garth without a bus service. It would remove through links to Monks Cross for residents in Heworth Without, reducing access to employment and depriving a large number of residents of a bus service

Local Councillor, Nigel Ayre, who represents Heworth Without, has been petitioning residents over the last few days to save the Number 13 service. His petition called on First York to reconsider their decision to cancel this route, and was signed by 184 residents of the affected streets in his ward.

Leader of the Council, Steve Galloway, today raised this petition at the meeting with First, who have now decided to withdraw the proposed changes to this service.

Cllr Ayre said: "I had been working on making this bus service more accessible to elderly residents through Ward Committee funding and was then very concerned when I found out that First were proposing to take it away. I was determined to reverse First's decision, and am delighted that we have been able to negotiate with First to save this service, which will be of huge benefit to residents in my ward."

"The proposed cuts would have seriously affected a large number of elderly residents who would not be able to walk to a bus stop further from their house, as well as the many young people in my ward who use this bus to get to York College. The Number 13 also provides a vital link to Monks Cross for all residents of Heworth Without, including those who work at Monks Cross and need to travel to and from the city centre."

"I am glad we have been able to get the right result for residents and would like to thank them for all their support on this issue"