Bus firm’s future services under microscope
Senior figures in a village are demanding infrastruture is tackled before more homes get permission.
And Harry Middleditch, chairman of Monkton Community Council, said: “All we have gained from four new housing developments is that Monkton now has five swing parks.
“We don’t want any more swing parks thanks, we want our environmental looked at closely.
“We are a village, not a town, and some people have forgotten that.”
He was speaking while posing at a “magic sign” which keeps appearing and disappearing.
Persimmon Homes was already warned and did take a “coming soon” housing sign down along the A77.
But, as in our picture, the exact same sign appeared on Kilmarnock Road. Only then for it to disappear again. Harry said: “What has annoyed the community is they have a cheek saying it is coming soon - they don’t even have planning permission yet.
“We are being ridden roughshod.” Persimmon want between 285 and The future of Stagecoach bus services have been discussed with management by Tory MSP Brian Whittle.
The South Scotland MSP met with Stagecoach West Scotland Managing Director Fiona Doherty and Business Development Director Fraser Smith to hear about the company’s plans for the area and the impact of recent changes to services, including the chopping of the X76 express from Cumnock to Glasgow.
Following public concern about the loss of the direct service between Cumnock and Glasgow, Brian arranged to meet with Stagecoach to learn more about what had driven the change. Since the service was changed, people 300 homes and Barrat another 300 on the in Cumnock who want to travel to Glasgow now have to change in Kilmarnock. The move has had a mixed reception from bus users; some feel the new route takes more time and adds complication, but at the same time, more people are using the service. Stagecoach have said they’ll consider further changes if there’s public demand and have encouraged anyone who has any thoughts or ideas about the service to get in touch.
During the meeting, Brian also heard about the company’s plans to introduce electric buses in the East Ayrshire region.
Brian said : “It was really useful to meet with Stagecoach to discuss the X76 changes and their plans for the future. The changes to the Cumnock- Glasgow service have caused concern.
“It’s clear one of the most important issues for the public, is being made aware not only of changes to services, but understanding why those changes are happening and Stagecoach have agreed to increase their engagement with the public ahead of any changes.
Stagecoach boss Fiona Doherty added: “We found the meeting constructive and informative. We are working with a number of stakeholders to ensure our services and our technology remains focused on the needs.”