Axed bus route reinstated after outcry

RURAL bus services will partially resume this weekend following campaigning by Bosworth MP, David Tredinnick.

The politician chaired a packed meeting of villagers angered by the loss of public transport to Nailstone, Carlton and Barton in the Beans.

The gathering was prompted by a decision from Arriva in April to withdraw operations from the area leaving many non-driving residents isolated.

During the meeting Arriva business development director Simon Mathieson promised to look at various options and now the company is changing its 153 service in response.

Mr Tredinnick, who was backed by Leicestershire County Councillor Ivan Ould, said: “The loss of the 153 bus has impacted upon pensioners and school pupils and college stu- dents in particular in these villages, as well as an array of other residents who valued the opportunity to use the service. For some people in Nailstone, Carlton and Barton in the Beans this bus service really represents a lifeline.

“So I very much welcome Arriva’s flexible and considerate approach towards finding a solution to this issue, which I know will be greatly appreciated by the many local residents who contacted me about this important issue.”

Those affected by the loss of transport had been offered ‘demand responsive transport’ (DRT) supported by the county council.

This allowed residents of Littlethorpe, Cosby, Carlton, Barton in the Beans, Nailstone and Cotesbach to organise timetabled trips to urban centres such as Hinckley and Earl Shilton using taxis which needed to be pre-booked.

Now thanks to the change of heart by Arriva villagers can expect a reinstated limited service to the villages of Nailstone, Carlton, and Barton in the Beans.

Provision of arrivals into both Leicester and Market Bosworth for around 8.30am, giving improved access to employment.

Equivalent return departures from both Leicester and Market Bosworth at around 5.30pm and a two-hourly daily frequency Monday to Saturday.

To accommodate these changes certain journeys will now start and finish at Market Bosworth Square and will no longer extend to Bosworth Water Park.

The changes come into effect from Saturday (August 27).