Concerns Continue for Half-Price Bus Fares

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At a recent meeting of the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, members considered Cllr Bill Esterson’s Member’s Item on the uptake of the half-price bus fare scheme.
However, the responses gleaned from the Council did nothing to ally Cllr Esterson’s fears that this scheme could be for the chop, owing to the Tories’ financial difficulties.
Further reports on the scheme’s progress will come back to the committee next year.
Cllr Esterson said,
“I’m sorry to say that I got the feeling that the Tories are still not committed 100% to the half-price bus fare scheme.  The almost complete lack of advertising explains the low take-up, and also demonstrates to me that their heart really isn’t in it.”
“The members of the Youth Parliament made some excellent suggestions, and I hope the Council takes them up.  However, these plans, such as using social networking sites and putting posters in schools, should have been done by the Council from the start.”
“I hope that the Tories will give an unequivocal promise that this scheme will continue for the rest of their term.”
ENDS

For further comment please contact Cllr Bill Esterson on 01634 892773 or Mobile: 07976 628730.  Alternatively contact the Group office on 01634 332393.