Villagers are forming an action group to campaign for a new bus service.
The hope is to link the likes of Greystoke, Newbiggin near Stainton, and Motherby, with towns such as Penrith or Keswick. While some can rely on the valuable, volunteer-led Fellrunner Bus, the service is limited to a single day and time period. As communities expand, the campaign now is to improve public transport services. In Greystoke alone, 40 new houses have been built and residents want infrastructure to catch up.
Pam Wood, an NHS manager from Greystoke, organised a public meeting at its village hall last Thursday to gauge the appetite. She was amazed when nearly 50 local residents turned out in support.
Pam said: “I am tired of asking mates for lifts. I want to pay £2 for a bus, not £15 for a taxi. I want us to be greener and do a bit more to save the environment. I want our old folk to be connected and I want our young folk to get home safely.
“People living and working in Greystoke have been without a daily bus service for over 20 years and different reasons have been given for its withdrawal but we are trying to establish a conversation with them (the authorities) now.
“During this time, the populations of Greystoke, Newbiggin and Motherby have all expanded; and since the service ceased in 2003, repeated requests have been made by various dedicated individuals for us to have a daily bus service.” The next meeting is to be held at Greystoke village hall on 25th July at 7pm. Pam is particularly keen to hear from people in Newbiggin and Motherby, if they too want to be part of the campaign.
The meeting last Thursday heard accounts of some older people being effectively forced to leave the villages because they do not drive but need to visit the towns for important things such as doctors and hospital appointments. Teenagers, too, who don’t drive but are striving for independence and wanting to socialise with friends in Penrith or Keswick, also have to rely on lifts.
To contact Pam, email pam_tester@hotmail.com and for more information, go to https://www.transport.greystokevillage.co.uk
