Politicking over bus services in the WECA area has got to stop

THE politicking of bus services continues. WECA were quick to ‘vote themselves’ increases to their staff budget but are choosing to hold the electorate to account when it comes to public transport.

In the October 2021 budget the government allocated £540 million to WECA over a five-year period for public transport improvements, to be predominantly spent on improving bus services, and yet last summer £786,000 of unspent public money from the WECA went to the combined authority’s reserves rather than being spent on buses…

Clearly Dan Norris has no clue as to the wider transport issues. Maybe he should stick to cuddling his pooch, and if his second attempt at politics fails I hear that dog grooming is an enjoyable job, although it doesn’t quite offer the same salary as WECA mayor. I say that as earlier this year it was announced that he will receive a 30% pay rise as £5,000 every year for the next four years, taking his salary from £67,000 to £87,000.

In the good old days, you could run a man like this out of your village with pitchforks – oh sorry, they already did. In 2005, he and his assistant, were accosted and egged by hunt supporters live on regional TV as he was chased out of Badminton.

“When it comes to the best use of public money, the WECA mayor needs to learn to master walking, before seeking to run…” Well done, Toby!

I’ve heard from several sources that Mr Norris is investigating whether to stand as a Labour candidate at the next General Election. I truly hope that Sir Keir isn’t that desperate…

C Stephens Pucklechurch