The Midsomer Norton MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has told local councillors that the cuts to bus services have generated more correspondence than any other issue he has been asked to tackle in the last 12 years.

The cuts have left communities stranded, residents forced into taxis to get to hospital appointments and will, once schools re-open, force parents into cars for the school runs.

The local councillor Eleanor Jackson, who herself is a regular bus user, is furious saying that vital community bus services have been cut without regard to the disproportionate impact on the elderly, disabled, children and poor

She wrote: " The merits of the 82 bus service, the 768 sublime scenic drive through Clandown, Camerton, Timsbury, Englishcombe and so on, and the 42 hospital service have been debated extensively in the press, council debates, WECA Scrutiny panels and so on. We are all aware, after Mental Health Week recently, of the problems of isolation, loneliness, and depression, but there are also too many hilly areas around here where walking with a pram or a wheelchair is simply not practical, even if the pavements were wide enough, and not pothole ridden. Even Mark Shelford, the Avon and Somerset Police Commissioner commented on this when he took the last 82 bus from Westfield to Paulton through areas where young people are isolated and bored. "

"A modern, reliable bus service, properly marketed, is the antidote. If, after the outcry in March, the services past Paulton Hospital could be restored (172, 522), anything is possible. An integrated health and social care policy, with emphasis on prevention, has to include the availability of reliable bus services.

The Plan to save the bus services

Cllr Jackson argues:

• It is essential to have the facts and figures now of the costs and usage of the rural services now and as in May. We need to talk to the CEO of Libre Buses and the other companies delivering community subsidised services to see how they could be made profitable. Surely 140+ passengers a day on the 82 would be.
• The Mayor should call a round table meeting of providers, BANES and parish council representatives where parishes are affected.

Secondly, myth-busting. The problem is not driver shortage, says the councillor, it is the rotas and working conditions, that make them leave. Better working conditions are urgently needed and public toilets. Cross-border working, especially with Somerset and Wiltshire would be really welcome.

Long term, sustainable policies

"My proposal is for an SPD, like the SPD for the provision of affordable housing, that will mean that any developer of more than ten residences would have to provide a set percentage of their value, instead of there being ad hoc decisions, and derisory sums, not to mention provision of bus stops on roads without bus services presently.

"The other possibility would be to investigate business support. The 82 was originally established with S106 money from Tesco. We believe from informal contact that Tesco, other businesses and health services might contribute. Having people wholly dependent on shopping on line will impact their sales and services.

"Many of the passengers on the 82 have said they would pay full fare for the sake of the service instead of using their passes. The birthday offer is treated with derision especially by OAPs who would rather have proper bus stops, timetables and actual buses to catch. "

Cllr Eleanor M Jackson (Lab. Westfield, Bath & North East Somerset Council)