Nick weighs in to row with Stagecoach over No. 23 bus route

11.41.50pm GMT Fri 26th Feb 2010

Nick Perry, the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hastings & Rye, has criticized bus provider Stagecoach after its decision to change the route of the Hastings No. 23 bus, leaving many families living of Harley Shute Road, St Leonard's without a regular service to the Conquest Hospital and to Tesco's.

Nick has written to the company requesting an immediate review of the decision:

"A number of residents have raised the issue, quite rightly, that you have a monopoly position on bus travel in this town. As such, you have a responsibility to be catering for the transport needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

"Not only this, but you have an obligation to play your part in encouraging more people to use public transport - so that climate change can be tackled.

"I am bitterly disappointed that you appear to have failed in these responsibilities on this occasion.

"I do hope that you will be willing to come with me to talk to local people in Edinburgh Road, William Road, and Harley Shute Road, St Leonard's, about this issue.

"I hope you will also be willing to review your decision, and in the meantime, to re-instate even a partial service - ie. a bus on the old route, once every two hours", he said.