WE are writing to confirm that we fully support the Devizes Passengers’ call for an expansion to our bus services and our town council’s resolution not to support any reduction in subsidised bus services, on the grounds that they would cause serious economic and social damage to our town.
There is a need for a regular bus service between Marlborough and Devizes as well as bus services that are fully integrated with the rail network, including at commuting times.
Furthermore, any cuts to our bus services would contravene United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Target 11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
The UK signed up to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015.
Please note the following resolution: The Town Council’s resolution on the Wiltshire Council consultation was: 582/15 Wiltshire Council consultation – review of subsidised bus services: Members considered a corporate response to the county-wide consultation. Main concerns were that:
All listed bus services were important.
Any withdrawal of funding for buses would have a knock-on effect on the town’s air quality as more cars took to the road.
The impact on those using the services to commute to work.
The importance of links to rail services.
The importance of retaining links to other towns (in particular, Swindon and Salisbury).
The impact on the elderly who used the bus services to travel around the town.
The impact on those using the service to travel to hospital (GWH, RUH and Savernake).
The social impact of reducing costs was higher than the savings to be made.
It was noted that the feedback would be contrary to Option 6 of the consultation review document – withdraw all funding for all council subsided services.
Resolved: by 11 votes for with one abstention that Marlborough Town Council does not support any reduction in subsidised bus services as they would cause serious economic and social disadvantage to the town.
DR SAM L J PAGE
Transition Marlborough
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