Those bus changes - Mixed news

The fallout from the proposed changes to the buses in Whitchurch continues to rumble on after it was discovered that Stagecoach were both re-routing and cutting services on the 86 to Winchester and changing the course of the 76 service through the town to miss out London Street.

Representations have been made
With the prospect of some residents being unable to reach their workplaces in Winchester strong representations were made to both Stagecoach and Hampshire County Council over the 86 cuts. 
The HCC Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, Cllr Sean Woodward, has given a clear insight into the County's thinking:

"In terms of priority for funding we do not prioritise work journeys over trips for food shopping or collecting prescriptions ... Where we do provide support for access to key services not available locally it is by a link to one local centre.  In the case of Whitchurch, the 76 provides links to Andover and Basingstoke and the 86 to Winchester during the business day so we would not look to fund additional journeys."

So that is no support from HCC for the 86.
Maybe there are other solutions – different companies, taxi-shares? They should be considered but there is no evidence they have been.

Stagecoach react to concerns
However total gloom has been abated as there was also some good news as Stagecoach have themselves reacted by reintroducing services early morning and early evening, although the last bus at 1935 will still not run. They will be monitoring usage so it may end up being a 'Use it or Lose it' situation.

London Street problems
Meanwhile re-routing within Whitchurch has caused particular concern in London Street which will now be missed out by the 76.

Left: Bus/lorry conflict 

 Stagecoach have cited heavy congestion of parked cars and traffic as well as the dangerous turn at the White Hart where buses regularly mount the pavements and have also damaged property.

Pavement users are often at serious risk here when buses meet other vehicles.

Right: 
Buses are regularly forced onto pavement in London Street

Some stops are lost
Bus users in London Street will now need to reach the Gables on London Road, the Square/Bell Street stops, or catch one of the now very few two-hourly daytime 86 services.
In addition, with the 86 no longer going to the Railway Station, those who live in the south of the town will no longer have a link to train services - yet another cut. It can be a long walk up the hill for the less able.

An alternative suggested
The intention to use Lynch Hill Park to avoid London Street for the 76 has caused one resident to start a petition claiming that LHP is unsuitable for buses and they suggest an alternative of using the town 'circuit' in reverse. It has been said that that too has some difficult turns and parking problems but it is an idea worthy of consideration. It has now been stated that this re-routing will be on a six-month trial basis.

Not all gloom
It is not all gloom though, as the 76 will now be running to Andover every half-hour instead of hourly and that holders of the Older Person Bus Pass should be able to use it on the last 76 back from Basingstoke, something that has been lobbied for for a long time.

Communication and Consultation has been lacking
However,  what has been missing throughout is any meaningful communication and consultation by those who provide and manage the services. This is despite Stagecoach claiming that communication on local bus services had improved in a recent presentation to Basingstoke & Deane. Nothing had been passed to the Town Council, which I find unacceptable. For residents to find out of changes that can affect their livelihoods on the off-chance of a chat with a bus driver is deplorable.

Meetings arranged
With this in mind a meeting with members of Stagecoach has been arranged later this month. It has been facilitated by our Borough Councillor, Keith Watts, who has been doing stirling work behind the scenes to obtain improvements for Whitchurch residents.
I have been invited as the Town Council Transport representative and will be pushing for much better liaison so local people's views and needs are taken into account by those at both County and Borough level, as well as by Stagecoach.

What views do local people have?
To aid this I have arranged to be at the Town Hall on Saturday 15th August 9.30 - 11.00pm, when anyone can come along, have an informal chat and give their views, which can then be presented when formal discussions take place.

Involving local people
We need to let those who make the decisions and control the purse strings know that the people of Whitchurch want involvement in issues that affect them directly, and one of those is public transport.
That is why I wear a Town Councillor hat.