After consulting on cuts to local bus services earlier in the year to save money, Surrey County Council has revealed that it has been able to make the savings without needing to make all of the proposed cuts, including the well used 324 route from Redhill to Reigate.
The consultation exercise (see related article here) had proposed that the 324 service, which serves Redhill – Batts Hill – Reigate – Irons Bottom – Hookwood – Horley, be completely withdrawn, leading to a strong reaction from the local community and local councillors and a petition presented at County Hall.
In a report on the outcome of the savings exercise, to be considered by Surrey’s Cabinet at its meeting next week (6th June), it is now proposed that the service is retained, with an increase in frequency but with the more rural sections of Ironsbottom and Hookwood still being withdrawn. Full details on the proposals can be found on the Surrey County Council website.
Cllr Julian Ellacott, one of the councillors for Redhill West, commented:
“The proposal to withdraw the 324 was unacceptable – it is well used and serves important local communities in Timperley Gardens and Batts Hill where many residents don’t have alternative access to transport. It seems that now they are proposing to increase the frequency of the service, which would be excellent news, although it is a pity if there are other parts of the route which will have a reduced service.
“Hopefully the Surrey Cabinet approves the plans, which case much credit will need to go to the local residents who responded to the consultation and who participated in the petition, and to the County officers who have listened to the residents and worked hard to come up with other ways to save £1.6m per year. County Councillor Lynne Hack has also listened to the objections carefully throughout and ensured that the local feelings were represented at County Hall.”
The Surrey County Council Cabinet will consider the proposals on 6th June.
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If there is a need and the service is well used then keep it!