Kent County Council has now launched its Big Conversation consultation on rural bus services online.
For the next eight weeks, until August 8, residents can have their say on rural transport as KCC faces decreasing funding to support subsidised bus services.
Subsidised bus services under threat in Thanet are the 39: Sherwood Gardens loop, Dumpton and Nixon Avenue; 42: Windermere Avenue/Rydal Avenue, Nethercourt and the 56: St Peter’s Road/Vicarage Street, St Peter’s and Stone Road/Lanthorne Road/Knights Avenue, Broadstairs.
However, consultation on these services has been moved back to September. The delay is to allow “further mitigation” from Stagecoach “to be fully developed and included in the consultation document.”
The main objectives of the Big Conversation programme are to maintain and, where possible, improve rural accessibility for those without alternative means of travel.
As well as a consultation booklet and questionnaire, KCC will be running public meetings and parish seminars, specifically for local councillors.
A meeting will be held between 7pm and 9pm for Thanet at Margate Football Club, Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, on June 21.
To take part online, visit www.kent.gov.uk/bigconversation
We really need a consultation where people will be affected by these cuts. I would urge as many people as possible to respond to KCC and let them know how this will affect them. KCC need to listen!
Why have a meeting at football ground ending at 9/00 at night when there is no buses in the vicinity!! Many older bus users don’t use the internet either, this ‘big conversation ‘ becoming a very ‘small conversation ‘ is likely unless the time is changed