Dr Neil Hudson MP has taken a stand in support of Greystoke Bus Action Group's (GBAG) campaign to secure a dedicated bus service for the growing villages of Greystoke, Newbiggin, Motherby and the surrounding area.
The local MP met with GBAG to support their tireless work to reinstate a daily bus service after being without one for more than 10 years. He has since written to Westmorland and Furness Council and Stagecoach that they might utilise Conservative Government bus funding increases to meet the demand of residents.
In December Westmorland and Furness Council held a tendering process to take advantage of the - much increased - £2.8 million Conservative Government funding for Cumbria during the 2024/25 financial year. This figure includes the Bus Service Improvement Plan and reallocated public monies from the HS2 project.
Proposals were put forward for Greystoke, Newbiggin and Motherby to be included in the X4/X5 route from Penrith to Keswick operated by Stagecoach. However, Stagecoach refused to include the villages in their route but were still awarded the contract.
Campaigners disagree with the reasoning provided by Stagecoach which included the additional time it would take the bus to divert the existing route, and that this may prove unattractive to those travelling between Penrith and Keswick. Stagecoach have also stated that the villages are too small to generate the extra traffic needed. The Group have secured the signatures of 350 local residents, collected via online and physical means over a short two week period, including signatures from many children from the area.
A passionate advocate for better rural connectivity, Dr Hudson pointed to the benefits a bus would bring to this community’s burgeoning tourism industry and growing population which mean the need for reliable and accessible transport options have never been greater.
With a popular pool, pub, cafe, shops and visitor accommodation, the economic growth and wellbeing potential of a dedicated bus service could be transformational for Greystoke and surrounding villages.
As a voice of the people, Dr Hudson remains committed to advocating for solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents and promote sustainable economic development in communities across Cumbria.
Pam Wood, Greystoke Bus Action Group, said:
"We are grateful to Dr Hudson for his support in this matter as we do not accept the reasons given by Stagecoach are valid. We will continue to fight for a daily service and all parties should be prepared for that."
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"It is an incredibly regrettable situation that Greystoke has been overlooked in the planning of bus routes locally. With a growing population and burgeoning visitor sector, a daily bus service could unlock so much social, economic and wellbeing potential.
"Our Conservative Government is issuing unprecedented levels of bus funding to local councils and I am determined that our communities see value for money with these investments.
"I pay tribute to the incredible work of local connectivity campaigners. It is imperative we address the issue promptly and I look forward to working with the community, Westmorland & Furness Council and Stagecoach as we drive for solutions."
