Rural bus services the top topic of meeting to be held in Stanton by West Suffolk Council

Members of West Suffolk Council’s Overview and Scrutiny will be holding their meeting in Stanton to discuss topics including rural bus services.

The meeting will be held at Stanton Community Village Hall, The Recreation Ground, Old Bury Road, IP31 2BX on December 16, at 5pm.

At its meeting on November 7, the committee agreed to include in its work programme a look at “rural bus service provision” and the impacts that a reduction in service has on rural communities,l eaving some residents isolated and unable to attend GP and hospital appointments

The committee wished to consider the issue prior to the upcoming change to the Simmonds bus schedule which is due to take effect from December 27.

Members of the committee will consider evidence submitted on the topic, recognising that decisions and powers around public transport and buses is not held by West Suffolk Council.

To support the committee with its discussions, a desktop-based research exercise into rural transport provision models in West Suffolk, across the rest of the county and other rural areas has been completed

Stakeholders and those who gave evidence have been given the chance to appear at the meeting.

Sarah Broughton, the chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for West Suffolk Council. said: “Rural bus services are important to communities and Overview and Scrutiny wanted to look at what is happening in West Suffolk, especially where services have been cut.

“We are holding our meeting in Stanton in the heart of rural West Suffolk in an area affected by public transport.

“The council itself is not responsible for public transport but we know it is a vital lifeline for many people and we want to support thriving communities throughout West Suffolk. Any findings from the committee will be sent to cabinet and other agencies or organisations who do have the power to do something.”