RESIDENTS at Lymm are still waiting for a response to their plea to restore bus services through Statham with more than 600 signing a petition.
Service changes introduced on 3 October mean that buses no longer travel along Star Lane and Barsbank Lane and passengers have to use the stops on the A56.
Local Councillor Ian Marks said: “We launched a petition asking Warrington Council and Warrington’s Own Buses to bring forward an alternative proposal that safeguards the travel needs of Statham residents. This has gathered 620 signatures and the number is still rising by the day. I am very grateful to the Morrisons shop for hosting the petition. The large number signing clearly shows the strength of public opinion.
“The change to the Altrincham service made at the same time is welcome but not the Statham one which severely impacts elderly and disabled passengers. They are forced to walk under the Barsbank Aqueduct which can be dangerous and then up a steep hill to the top road.
At the beginning of October, Cllr Graham Gowland and I, accompanied by a few local bus enthusiasts, had a meeting with Council officers and a representative from the bus company. They listened to our concerns and assured us they would take the matter seriously. Despite chasing this up, I have had no response about what they intend to do. I raised it with the Councillor who holds the portfolio for Transport at the Warrington Council meeting on 5 December. He reassured me that the issue was being taken very seriously.
“I fully appreciate that finances are tight and services that don’t attract many passengers are a challenge. The forthcoming introduction of ‘one size fits all’ electric buses which will not go under the aqueduct is another problem. A solution must be found which could involve smaller buses, the diversion of existing services or another operator. Residents are waiting for some action sooner rather than later.”
A council spokesperson said: “Officers met with local councillors and residents in October to discuss the impact of the changes to bus services in Lymm, where positive impacts of the changes – including more direct buses from Lymm to Warrington and to Altrincham – were acknowledged.
“However the impact on those residents in Statham who are unable to access the stops on the A56 was also clearly recognised. This is being looked at by officers and we hope in the near future to be able to provide an update on this matter.”
