Get a bus pass, lose the bus!

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Oct 2006

Julia Goldsworthy's travelling surgery brought the Boslowick bus problem to her attention.

Residents of Boslowick, Falmouth, have expressed their anger at a decision to cut services on the no. 68 bus route, which links their area with Falmouth town centre.

Pensioners have pointed out that the Government's decision to give them free bus passes was rather pointless if the bus service is reduced to the point that it becomes very difficult to get around.

The residents raised the issue with Julia Goldsworthy when she brought her mobile surgery to Boslowick.

Commenting on the case, Ms Goldsworthy said:

"I have written to the bus company asking for an explanation and highlighting the problems that their cuts have caused for local people."

"We are used to hearing stories of remote villages losing their transport links, but should pensioners living less than two miles from the town centre really have to use expensive taxis to get to and from hospital appointments?"

"Many pensioners without access to a car rely on bus services to get around. Even for those living relatively close to a town, a reduced service can affect their independence and access to services."