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Grenoside residents vent their frustrations on First Buses


On Friday 10th February over 100 local Grenoside residents turned up at a meeting organised by the local MP for the area, Angela Smith to talk to First Bus Managers after the number 17 bus to the area was cancelled by the company.

The bus service which was a life line for many residents in Grenoside, was cut, so say local residents without any consultation earlier this year. It has left residents unable to get to shops in Hillsborough and other local shopping without having to walk great distances.

The elderly and the disabled in the village have been affected particularly by this as the village itself has very few shops locally and is perched on the top of a hill, making walking up hill with heavy bags difficult.

Commenting on why she called this meeting with residents, Angela Smith MP said, “The removal of this service without consulting the people of Grenoside was a mistake in my view and has led to many people having difficulty getting a bus to the shops or even getting to work.

After getting complaints from many people in Grenoside, I decided to ask the representatives of SYPTE and First Buses to explain to the people of Grenoside why they had stopped the number 17 service to Grenoside. With over 100 people turning up at short notice it shows how important this bus service was to the people of Grenoside.”

Angela is pleased that in response First Buses have agreed to work local residents and her in looking at the bus service to Grenoside village. And from next Monday, First have agreed to restore the early morning service, allowing workers to get to work on time. Commenting on First Buses proposals,
Angela said, “I am pleased with the response from First Buses. They were prepared not only to meet the people of Grenoside, but they have also showed they are willing to listen. The restoration of the early morning bus is a welcome gesture and the offer to talk further with local representatives about improving the service to Grenoside means we are starting to move in the same direction again, that of giving the people of Grenoside the bus service they need.

However, I must say this meeting would not have been necessary if First Buses had consulted the local people in the first place before cutting the number 17 service. This is something I and other Members of Parliament are campaigning for with the 10 minute rule Bill recently brought to the Commons by Andrew Miller, MP for Ellesmere Port & Neston.”



Angela Smith MP addresses locals in Grenoside

Angela Smith MP addresses locals in Grenoside

Issued : 14 February 2006



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