Councillors won’t give up fighting for the 469 bus

Councillor Ian Duckworth stated at the full council meeting that he, Councillor Pat Sullivan and Councillor Jane Gartside will not stop fighting to resolve the issue of the 469 bus.

Rochdale Online reported in August that bus services would be dramatically changing and that the 469 bus service would be cut to one bus in the morning and a few buses late in the evening.

Councillor Sullivan addressed the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, regarding the issue and asked for his support.

She said: “We have a doctor’s surgery, a physiotherapist and shops along Bury Road and now people, the elderly and teenagers can’t access a thing. It is getting dark now and people have to walk one mile to get to Oulder Hill Drive. This is an important issue and I am asking for your support.”

Councillor Richard Farnell understood the importance of the issue but was quick to blame Central Government. He said: “Why are you asking me? You should be addressing George Osbourne. There are problems with bus services across the whole of the borough. Transport for Greater Manchester has suffered £19 million of cuts to public transport and that is down to Central Government. Rochdale has seen over £700,000 cut in public transport and this is a tragedy because of your government cuts. These cuts are penalising the people and are hitting the people. Children and the elderly who need these reliable services are now suffering.”

Councillor Ian Duckworth then raised the issue again with the Leader and said: “I care about the 469 bus. This is something that is affecting the elderly everyday. I get emails, phone calls and letters everyday regarding this issue. I, Councillor Sullivan and Councillor Gartside will not give up on this because it is unacceptable. This is a matter we should be focusing on and not Gaza.”

Councillor Farnell then apologised for the issues surrounding the 469 bus and added: “When your Government makes cuts there will be casualties.”

Councillor Phillip Burke, the Council representative to Transport for Greater Manchester, added that he will keep working on the issue and that he is trying to push the issue.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/89056/virtually-no-bus-services-along-bury-road-from-1-september