‘Priority’ Corwen to Betws-y-Coed bus route under threat from Assembly

Dec 17 2008 by Justine Bailey, Denbigh Visitor

Bus

A POLITICIAN has warned that critical rural bus services could face serious cuts due to an Assembly Government announcement last week.

Services along the A5 between Corwen and Betws-y-Coed have already been reduced as a result of Assembly grant cuts earlier this year and officers at Conwy County Borough Council have indicated that plans to end the grant support completely for the route from next year will lead to the service being mothballed.

TAITH, the North Wales Regional Transport Consortium, had identified the bus route as a priority in its new regional transport strategy which was due to be implemented from April next year and it was hoped that further funding would be available from this time.

However, the Assembly Government has now announced a six-month extension to the deadline for submission of the plans which will lead to a delay in their implementation, including any potential grants to support bus services, until 2010.

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar fears the decision will have very serious consequences for public transport in his constituency.

“There is precious little bus service along rural parts of the A5 as it is and I have already been inundated by concerned residents in the Cerrigydrudion and wider Hiraethog area following cuts earlier in the year,” he said.

“The Labour-Plaid coalition regularly talk of the need to encourage people out of their cars and onto public transport in a bid to save the environment, yet we are seeing little evidence that they are committed to this agenda.

“Many of my constituents could face real difficulties in getting to and from work, hospital appointments or to the shops if these services are slashed next year – it simply isn't good enough.

“Public transport is a lifeline to those who do not have access to an alternative. The Assembly Government must put its money where its mouth is and secure the long-term viability of these crucial bus services.”

justine.bailey