Following on from the open letter from Simon Allen, CEO of Age UK BathNES (Journal, 8th Feb 2023), it is important that we don’t make the issue of bus cuts just about specific demographics. Cuts to regular, timetabled bus services across NE Somerset are a loss to everyone and add to the ongoing cuts to all public services seen by rural areas due to years of neglect.

Since the announcements from both BathNES Council and WECA last month, I have been approached by families, working people, college students, people with disabilities, medical conditions and anxiety issues, in addition to pensioners, who all use or rely on the current bus services.

All these groups have one thing in common, the need for a reliable and affordable bus service at fixed times throughout the morning, daytime, evening and at weekends, and which take a set amount of time to get from their homes to their destination and back.

These services allow for people to get to work and education as well as allowing for independence without worry, while reducing car use at the same time. It is concerning that with just over a month before most rural services are withdrawn altogether that there is so little information about the new routes and DRT services beyond speculation.

Rumours are abound, from the cost of the DRT and how much pensioners’ will have to pay, to new routes based on old ideas that were previously rejected, and quotes of DRT journeys taking up to an hour and half, on top of whatever journey time the spinal route to the actual destination would take.

As a result of the uncertainty, the reaction has been of sadness, upset and anxiety about the ability to remain living in some rural areas. I know of families that have ditched the buses already, opting for a second car, people for whom this isn’t an option looking for alternative places to live, and some individuals facing the threat of job loss. This is damaging for both people and communities.

There should be no doubt that the deterioration of public services is a political issue and needs real leadership to achieve equity of services across the whole of BathNES. It is disappointing that at a time of climate emergency, BathNES Council have chosen to throw NE Somerset under a non-existent bus, with the potential to increase car traffic and change the entire demographic of communities, while maintaining subsidised services within the city of Bath.

If ever the people of NE Somerset were in any doubt, the emperor’s new clothes have finally been revealed. The current administration, which vacillates between Lib Dem and Conservative every few years, neither understand nor wish to understand the dynamics of rural communities.

Their continuing focus on the city is at the detriment of half its Council tax payers, who receive fewer services in return. This is pushing more strain onto Parish Councils and dedicated individuals who care deeply about their communities and try to provide alternative voluntary community schemes. Let us be clear, charity and goodwill are no substitute for reliable and affordable public services that are made available to all.

With elections approaching in May, voters should carefully consider the people who are fighting for their services in North East Somerset and make their mark accordingly.