Arbroath bus service changes making life difficult, say locals

Arbroath residents have raised concerns about changes to local bus services.

Stagecoach East Scotland altered a number of its Angus routes, but Arbroath passengers have complained that previously straight-forward journeys are now taking them out of their way.

The firm said it had changed some routes due to “growing demand” for more direct services between Montrose, Arbroath and Dundee.

However, Arbroath community councillor Beatrice Gerrard, 76, said many people of her generation, who are used to taking direct journeys from stops in the town’s Kirkton and Cliffburn areas, are now having to travel via Timmergreens.

Meanwhile, a direct service from Timmergreens and Elliot Caravan Park is no longer served by the Cliffburn 44 bus.

Ms Gerrard said: “It’s getting harder for older folk to get into town for what might be their only journey outside their sheltered housing. There are big gaps opening up and you’re having to walk great distances to find the bus to get into town.”

David Jarret, 73, described the moves as “disgraceful”,

“The changes don’t suit elderly people or the disabled,” he said.

“It used to be a 10 minute journey and quite a few people have been complaining about it.”

Stagecoach East Scotland commercial director Douglas Robertson said: “We have revised some timetables in the Arbroath area due to evolving demand and an overall reduction in resources available.

“Although we had to reduce the number of journeys on local routes 43 and 44, we have tried to maintain as much of the existing network as possible and previous journeys are still possible, though it may be with a different route number.

“This has meant service 43 has been rerouted to also serve Timmergreens with a low floor, easy access bus.”