Campaign Launched To Save South Cumbria Bus Routes.
A campaign has been launched to oppose proposed changes to several bus services in South Cumbria, following plans by Stagecoach to reduce or withdraw some routes serving communities around Kendal and Burneside.
A petition has been started by Libby Bateman, a Liberal Democrat candidate for mayor of Cumbria, after Stagecoach announced plans to change its timetables. The campaign is calling attention to the potential impact of the proposed reductions on local passengers.
Under the plans reported by Cumbria Crack, the 445 and 46 services would be withdrawn, while changes would also be made to the 43, 44 and 45 routes. The 44 service, which operates between Kendal and Hallgarth, would be reduced from around two buses an hour during the daytime to approximately one an hour on weekdays. The proposed timetable would also mean there would be no Saturday service before 8am.
The 43 route between Kendal and Morrisons and the 45 service between Kendal and Burneside would also see reductions. Both are reported to be changing from eight services a day to five Monday to Friday. The proposed changes have prompted concerns about how reduced services could affect people who depend on buses for everyday journeys, including travel to shops, work and other essential services.
Campaign organiser Libby Bateman said she understood the importance of local bus services, referring to her previous involvement in setting up a community bus charity in Cumbria. She also highlighted concerns about the impact on older and vulnerable passengers.
The latest developments come against a wider backdrop of efforts to maintain bus connectivity across Westmorland and Furness. Earlier this year, the council announced a £1.7 million Government funding package aimed at maintaining 25 bus routes and considering seven additional services or improvements.
Bus services have also faced changes elsewhere in South Cumbria. In September, independent operator Blueworks announced that it would stop operating the 11 and X12 routes under its existing arrangements, while Westmorland and Furness Council evaluated tender responses for future operation.
The petition campaign now seeks to demonstrate the level of community concern surrounding the proposed Kendal and Burneside changes. The situation remains subject to further discussions and decisions concerning the future of the affected services, with local passengers and campaigners continuing to monitor developments.
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