MP’s fight for rural bus services

The Conservative MP, who represents Market Rasen and Caistor, says it is ‘wrong’ of Stagecoach East Midlands to withdraw services at this 
time.

And he is calling on the bus company to reinstate services: ‘as soon as possible’.

In a statement on social media, Sir Edward said: “It’s wrong that Stagecoach East Midland have withdrawn bus services from small rural communities just when they need it 
most.

“I will be writing to them asking for these buses to return as soon as possible.

“We need to get back to ordinary business and help people on their way.”

A Stagecoach East Midlands spokesman said the company had run a reduced timetable during the lockdown – and had since been working: ‘very closely’ with local authorities to reinstate services: ‘where possible’.

The spokesman said: “Over the covid-19 lock down period we were running a reduced network of bus services across the East Midlands region, which reflected the lower demand for travel.

“As more workplaces, shops and businesses reopen we have been working very closely with local authorities to review and gradually reinstate the bus network where possible.

“Initially, we have been concentrating [on] restoring core services, which enable people to reach essential employment, healthcare and retail services but, we are continuously reviewing our timetables to ensure we can reflect demand as much as is feasibly 
possible.”

Federation of Small Businesses development manager for Lincolnshire, Katrina Pierce, said she would be backing Sir Edward in his bid to get rural bus services reinstated.

She said: “Public transport provision helps people get an education, get to work and access our local shops, leisure and health facilities.

“Couldn’t be more important to an area like Lincolnshire.”

And resident John Mitchell also feels strongly about rural bus services being reinstated.

He said: “Rural bus services are, like post offices, a lifeline to rural communities.

“Also better for the environment.”

The current government advice is to help control the spread of the coronavirus by walking and cycling whenever 
possible.

Where this is not possible, residents are asked to use public transport or drive.

People should avoid the busiest routes, as well as busy times like the rush hour, when possible.