Anger as key bus link to villages is scrapped

Graeme Breen • Published 1 Feb 2012 09:30

THE decision to scrap a local bus service has been met with fierce criticism from Stirling councillor Alasdair MacPherson.

The move by bus operator First Bus to remove the number 56 service through Bannockburn and Fallin has drawn an angry reaction from Mr MacPherson, who has pointed to problems that the withdrawal will present for local people. Mr MacPherson's concerns have been echoed by Bannockburn Community Council who are also worried that vulnerable bus users in particular, will be disadvantaged.

At present, the number 56 is due to be removed from service on Monday, April 2. Whilst, the service runs through Fallin, the streets that will lose a service altogether are all in Bannockburn. These are: Station Road, Forthview, Manse Place, Douglas Street, Bruce Street, Main Street, West Murrayfield, Murrayfield Terrace, Bentheads, Milnepark Road and Bogend Road.

The service amounts to 13 single journeys per day on Mondays - Fridays, and 15 single journeys per day on Saturdays. The stops that the number 56 makes in Fallin are also serviced by Ferguson Coaches Service 55, and First Service 59.

Commenting on the move to scrap the service, Cllr MacPherson said: "The decision by First Bus to withdraw this service is a devastating blow for the elderly and infirm in Bannockburn and Fallin who rely on this service. I will be meeting with First Bus to ask them to reconsider their decision, but I am not confident that they will change their mind as they are driven by profits rather than providing a service for the vulnerable.

"This is another sickening example of corporate greed; the owners of First Bus announced only a few weeks ago that their operating profits had increased to £60m."

On November 10, 2011, First Group announced that UK Bus produced an operating profit of £59.4m. With a margin of 10.1%, UK Bus was the most profitable of the group's operations.

Service 56 is operated commercially by First Scotland East Ltd and does not operate under a council contract or receive council subsidy. As this is a commercial service First, beyond giving the local transport authority a minimum of 70 days notice, are not required to consult with anyone on their decision. Speaking about First Bus's decision, Secretary of Bannockburn Community Council Tommy Cattigan said: "Bannockburn Community Council brought this to the attention of the councillors and asked for their assistance in ensuring the saving of this bus route for the elderly, disabled, and all in our community. The withdrawal of this service presents real problems for local people, especially those who rely on this service for access to and from Bannockburn, and elsewhere. This includes a considerable number of elderly people, and disabled people who currently use the service, who will be seriously inconvenienced and disadvantaged.

"Our next community council meeting is on Thursday, February 2 at 7pm at the Bannockburn Centre. All are welcome, and if members of the community are not able to attend but would like to discuss an issue, such as this one, they can leave a note at the Community Centre for the attention of the secretary or email bannockburncommunitycouncil@yahoo.com"

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This article appeared in Eastside Advertiser 31 Jan 12

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