Villagers get their independence back (From Cotswold Journal)

Villagers get their independence back

4:40pm Wednesday 7th December 2011 in News

VILLAGERS who said their “independence had been taken away” when their bus service was stopped in October have breathed a sigh of relief as a new service started this week.

Residents in Childswickham, and at Leedons Park and Broadway Park, were cut off when the 559 bus route changed leaving them with no access to public transport.

But on Monday, local bus provider N N Cresswell started the six-month trial of its new R1 bus service. The R1 service will run on Tuesdays and Fridays and on both days there will be return services between Childswickham and both Evesham and Broadway.

Vera Oliver, aged 73, of Wyckham Court, Childswickham, said: “It’s an improvement.

We can get somewhere for those two days. We were cut off but now we can regain some of our independence. I can get to the shops in Evesham and get a bargain which is important at the moment.

“But my grand-daughter who lives in the village and wants a part-time job still can’t because the bus is only two days a week.”

Coun John Smith, Worcestershire’s cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “We are delighted a local operator has come forward to fulfil a need for Childswickham and we wish Cresswells every success with their commercial venture.

“We hope this new service will be valued by the village and that local people are able to make full use of the journeys it will provide.”

The service is not subsidised by county council. For passengers without concessionary passes, a return ticket between Childswickham and Evesham will cost £4.

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