LibDem councillors call for intervention to save 37-bus service

Councillor Vicky Davies has warned residents face a dire situation in Pilgrims Hatch with the 37-bus service ceasing in September.

ECC Passenger Transport Department has said it will not step in and save the service, and no other bus operator has come forward to take it over from First.

The loss of the No. 37 service will have a devastating impact on those who rely heavily on it. For many people, the bus is used regularly to access work, school, college, hospital and medical appointments.

She said: “The bus service is an absolute lifeline, especially for the retired and young residents.”

Councillor Davies has requested that the leadership of ECC intervene and provide additional support to maintain a bus service that is vital to many people who rely on it. Without access to a bus in Pilgrims Hatch, many people will experience genuine hardship and distress.

She and Councillor Mark Lewis are concerned at the decision to cease a well-used service being taken without the knowledge of local councillors and consultation with our residents.

Councillor David Kendall, as chair of the Brentwood Bus and Raul Users Association, has been lobbying Essex County Council’s Passenger Transport Department to take over the service in the absence of any other bus operator coming forward to take it over from First Bus.

Councillor Barry Aspinell, who is also the county councillor for the Pilgrims Hatch area, has written to the County Council objecting to the decision and seeking a change of heart, as well as making representations to be made to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Tom Cunningham.