Suffolk MPs welcome saving of key bus routes but warn more support's needed
Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay is worried that further services are at risk
MPs in Suffolk have welcomed the rescuing of two key bus services but have warned further support is needed.
Last Friday, the Save Our Buses group, spearheaded by Bardwell Parish Council, announced it had won a £147,000 bid from the Suffolk County Council to save two bus routes connecting Diss to Bury St Edmunds, the 73 and 73A, from being axed.
The group’s struggle attracted the attention and support of several town, district, and county council councillors as well as local MPs.
Adrian Ramsay MP, representing the Waveney Valley constituency, was one of the first to campaign for extra money to ensure the routes kept going.
He said: “It’s very good news that the bus service has been given a reprieve and won’t now end at the end of December.
“It will make a huge difference to people in Walsham Willows and Badwell Ash who have no other bus service.”
Dr Peter Prinsley, representing the Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket constituency, offered his support through a letter highlighting the ‘profound and lasting impact’ the bid’s success would have on residents’ ability to access education, work, and other services.
He said: “I’m delighted that the 73 and 73A bus routes have been saved, ensuring these vital services continue to operate in our community.
“I was proud to support the funding bid, and my team and I worked closely with local authorities, the bus company, and residents to ensure these services were protected.”
Despite the bid’s success, both MPs stressed the need for extra work to ensure not only these two routes kept running past the money’s cut-off date, but also other services which could be at risk.
Dr Prinsley said: “Reliable rural transport is essential for connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and community life.
“While this funding offers stability for now, I remain focused on ensuring we deliver lasting solutions for rural transport.”
Mr Ramsay added: The service needs ongoing funding which I hope will come through the Government’s Bus Improvement Plan.
“People who don’t drive need bus services, especially when there are so few other public transport options, and I hope the rescuing of the number 73 is the start of a renaissance for bus services in the county.”