Gloucestershire's Labour Party attempt to protect local bus services
Councillors will table an amendment to try and secure more community transport at County Council budget meeting
As Gloucestershire County Council set out plans for this year's budget, the Labour Party will put forward an amendment to support community transport.
If passed, the bus amendment will see ÂŁ70,000 put towards building up services in poorly connected areas.
Labour Group Leader, Councillor John Bloxsom says its important they find alternatives so they can stop "throwing massive amounts of money at Stagecoach, giving their performance is very poor.
"Its reaction to operational problems is to reduce its level of investment and it has been letting people down.
"We want to tackle that issue with Stagecoach and develop community transport provision."
Cllr Bloxsom says he would like to see services given to smaller, more local commercial providers which over the years he says Stagecoach has "squeezed out".
But with Stagecoach set to bring in more schedule changes, campaigners in Stroud say they're "desperate" to see Gloucestershire County Council take urgent action.
"I'm going to have to leave my job"
Sophia Spooner works at a local school in Nailsworth and relies on the 67 between Stroud and Bussage. But, she'll soon be left "trapped" as Stagecoach are set to cut 60% of its service.
She said, "If I can't get lifts, I'm going to have to leave my job which I don't want to do because I really like my job."
According to Ms. Spooner, students are also being affected. They often fall victim to cancellations and delays, meaning they miss school.
With further cuts she's worried many more will struggle to get in on time or at all.
In response to the cuts, Sophia Spooner began setting up protests outside the Subscription Rooms in Stroud. She's now part of a campaign group called 'Stroud Needs Buses", who hope Gloucestershire County Council will be able to provide reassurances in their budget.
The cabinet member responsible for buses, Cllr Philip Robinson, says he's "angry that once again residents are being left isolated because of Stagecoach's cuts," and have reported them to the Traffic Commissioner.
But Cllr Robinson adds that they can't afford to fund replacement services as they manage the impact of inflation .
Stagecoach are yet to respond to our comment request, but on their website say that the reductions coming in on the 19th of February result from low passenger demand.