Positive plan in place for Beaminster’s Bus Service
For many people in Beaminster, the provision of a bus service is critical to be able to get to where they need to be. For many, it means getting to work, for others it means getting to further education, apprenticeships, hospitals, job centre and for carers it means getting to the vulnerable who need help, and for others it’s simply connecting them to neighbouring towns to be able to do their shopping.
Recently, the possible loss of the town’s bus service has caused major concern within the community, which has activated a number of critical discussions all aimed towards fixing the issue.
Rebecca Knox, Councillor for Beaminster, Chedington, Mapperton, Mosterton, South Perrott and the surrounding rural areas, has actively been driving discussions with Dorset Council around finding a solution, and has shared the following updates:
Background:
Earlier this year, First Hampshire & Dorset Limited, the service currently operating the bus routes in question, advised Beaminster Town Council that after having looked at the long term viability of the route, it was their intention to deregister the Number 6 bus service which currently provides a route between Crewkerne, Misterton, Mosterton, Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Melplash, Bradpole and Bridport, with its last day of operation being Friday 1st May 2020.
Supporting the mission:
A series of meetings, including a Public Meeting which was held on 3 February this year in Beaminster’s Public Hall, to discuss and formulate an action plan to present to Dorset Council, including personal stories and feedback from the community which was used in a document being prepared by Dorset Councillor Rebecca Knox to present to Dorset Council in support of keeping a bus service operational.
Current Status:
Just this week, Rebecca Knox again shared an update on progress with the Town Council with encouraging results. Although there is a lot to still iron out and finalise, the current status of the Bus Service is that the current bus operator has not yet deregistered the section of route under review. While a new plan has been discussed and is looking positive, the new service (and timetable) cannot be registered and formalised yet, until the deregistration takes place. Rebecca is working with various authorities to facilitate a smooth transition, to eliminate any unnecessary downtime of service to the community.
Should you have any queries or wish to know more, make sure you keep an eye on Discover Beaminster for updates, or feel free to follow Rebecca Knox’s Facebook page too, for latest updates from her.
