Simon Kirby, MP for Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs, has been campaigning to save a community bus service used predominantly by elderly and disabled residents.
Mr Kirby recently met with the Community Transport Lewes Area (CTLA) charity, which offers a door-to-door service for people who are not on, or near, a bus route and to people who struggle to access other public transport. These services are particularly popular with disabled and elderly residents.
The charity plays an important role for people in need and helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation in vulnerable service users.
Simon said: “Following my meeting with the CTLA I made numerous representations to Councillor David Elkin, Deputy Leader of East Sussex County Council, about this issue as I was very keen to ensure that the towns of Peacehaven and Telscombe were not treated unfairly, particularly as they have a significant elderly population who I know value this service.
“I was reassured that following my intervention, Councillor Elkin agreed to look into this matter and I continued to press the Council on behalf of the residents of Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs to seek a positive resolution.
“I am pleased to say that following my representations to East Sussex County Council, I have now received confirmation that the CTLA and East Sussex County Council (ESCC), are in agreement that funding will be provided by the County Council to enable CTLA to provide an alternative service that will cater for the current passengers of the Peacehaven Taxi-Rider service.”
Derek Barnett, General Manager of CTLA, said: “We would like to thank Simon for campaigning on behalf of the CTLA. We are delighted that alternative funding has been agreed and this would not have been achieved without the support from Simon and others including local Community Groups. We hear from so many local residents in Peacehaven and Telscombe just how important our services are to them so this is really great news for local people. With the funding issue resolved we look forward to continuing to provide this service to existing and new users.”
Cllr David Elkin, Conservative Deputy Leader of East Sussex County Council, added: “Simon made a very forceful case on behalf of his constituents and I am pleased to confirm that following his representations, we have looked into this issue again and can confirm that the Council will fund the CTLA to enable passengers across Peacehaven and Telscombe to continue to receive this door-to-door service.”
Simon is also backing the CTLA “Get On Board” fundraising campaign to raise funds for a new bus to extend the successful 4 Towns community service that will provide the replacement service which will be invaluable in providing community transport services for some of the most vulnerable residents of Peacehaven, Telscombe and East Saltdean.
To make an online donation to the Get on Board campaign, click here:
Or send a cheque made payable to CTLA to:
Hillcrest Community Centre
Hillcrest Road
Newhaven
East Sussex
BN9 9EA