Moorlands to get new bus route... but not until 2021

Service was planned for May until coronavirus struck

A NEW rural bus service is to start next year – if coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

In 2018 Staffordshire County Council cut bus subsidies – leaving many rural communities isolated with no bus service at all.

One of the major casualties was the Leek to Cheadle route which runs through several rural communities including Bottomhouse, Ipstones, Froghall, Foxt, Whiston and Kingsley Holt.

Following the cuts the leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, held talks with several parish councils about what bus services communities would like and at what times and destinations. This would enable rural villages some access to public transport and also help to bring in more footfall to help support businesses in Leek and Cheadle.

However, when talks with local community members and bus company’s were progressing the coronavirus lockdown took place.

At last week’s meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Councils community overview and scrutiny panel, Councillor

Keith Hoptroff put a written question to the leader regarding the proposed bus services.

Mr Hoptroff said: “What progress has the leader made in her bid to improve rural bus services as she promised to full council on the October 19, 2019?”

In reply, Councillor Ralphs, below, said: “In January this year we had established a bus company prepared to take it on.

“We went over the route which would run through Leek, Bradnop, Ipstones, Foxt, Whiston, Oakamoor, Kingsley, Alton and Cheadle.

“The service would run on Wednesday and Fridays giving two hours in both Leek and Cheadle.

“The licence was applied for and the date was set to start last May. Then Covid-19 arrived and it had to be put on hold. If we get back to normal the service will start next May for a 12-month pilot project. It will be a case of use it or lose it. There is some funding for pilot projects available from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.”

Councillor Hoptroff said that he looked forward to seeing the start of the project.

He added: “Due to social distancing there are not as many people on the buses. Could the bus companies put on more coaches? Can we put pressure on them to put on more buses?

In reply Councillor Ralphs said: “We have to be lenient as they are going through difficult times. They are doing a good job and it is not the time to ask for some more. They are making sure that passengers are safe.”

Councillor Mike Bowen said that he had been told that bus company’s had no more capacity as there were no coaches left.