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Hundreds support bus cuts petition
ALMOST 700 people have signed up to a group on social network site Facebook in a desperate plea to halt Peterborough bus cuts.
ALMOST 700 people have signed up to a group on social network site Facebook in a desperate plea to halt Peterborough bus cuts.Chairman of Peterborough Youth Council, Tom Trevarthen, set up the "Don't Cancel Peterborough's Bus Routes" , after fears that bus cuts will leave some students unable to get to college and pensioners isolated in rural villages.
Tom (16), of Barnack, is planning to take his concerns before a full meeting of Peterborough City Council on February 24, where councillors are due to give final approval to the 2010/11 budget, which contains the bus changes.
The Evening Telegraph revealed in September that the council would review all bus services and look at cutting some regular services, replacing them with a pre-booked dial-a-ride style bus system.
Following a cabinet meeting earlier this month, it was decided some routes would face the axe, some could be merged or see night-time services slashed, while others were granted a last-minute reprieve.
Tom said: "Many people were unaware of the changes and are shocked. It is ridiculous that the council want to scrap some vital bus services in order to save 290,000, yet they are prepared to spend 300,000 on installing wi-fi in the city centre.
"We would appreciate cut backs more if the money saved was being spent on something the city really needs.
"Buses have already been proven to be more economical than using a car and the council are striving to become the UK's Environment Capital, yet they are prepared to do away with vital services. These cuts will leave students struggling to get to school and college and pensioners stranded in their villages."
However, council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, housing and communities, Councillor Peter Hiller said the public had been properly consulted.
He said: "I completely refute Tom's assertion that he was unaware about the bus review. The review has been widely reported and the Youth Council was made fully aware in November. This Facebook group set up 10 days ago is too little, too late.
"The proposals have gone to cabinet and will go to full council, where I hope to push it through.
"What these people need to do now is see how it works. There isn't a route in this city that can't be used. We are taking out duplicating routes to prevent empty buses from chugging around the countryside."
In support of the Youth Council's Fair Fares campaign – which aims to improve access and cut costs of public transport – Liberal Democrats councillor Nick Sandford said he would address the issue at full council.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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