RIBCHESTER SAVE OUR BUSES CAMPAIGN 2016

Notes from the second public meeting held at Ribchester Sports &
Social Club, Thursday 28th January 2016
Following a welcome to the 80+ residents attending, as well as residents of
Chipping and Hurst Green who are facing cuts to the same routes, Dave Hudson
gave an introduction to the current situation in which Lancashire County Council
(LCC) propose to cut all subsidies from the bus routes servicing Ribchester,
resulting in the removal of all our bus services.
Apologies were received from Heather Charnley.
Following a run through of the minutes from the last meeting, Dave described the
success of the drop in session held on Saturday 23rd January, at which more than
60 residents came and filled in the consultation document. Many thanks to Rib
Club for hosting.
Following a discussion around the source of the cuts (central gov vs county
council), everyone was urged to write/email to county councillors voicing their
concerns and emphasising the impact on the young, elderly, non-drivers,
disabled, families, less well off etc. Copies of a list of key contacts were
circulated. Tony, Lucy & Guy agreed to coordinate writing to all 84 councillors.
Sue Dickenson offered to scan and email hand written letters if people
wanted to pop down to Dutton Brook.
Councillor Ian Sayers spoke about the possibility of a reduced service being
reinstated if budget changes were agreed in the full council meeting of 11 th
February.
County Councillor David Smith described a possible legal challenge to the
proposed blanket cut of subsidy, as they are not looking at the use and need of
each route individually. David reiterated the support we have from all the
members of the Conservative group of councillors. We are very grateful for
Davids help and support. The LCC shadow cabinet are going to table an
amendment on the 11th Feb, in which there would be a delay to the bus subsidy
cuts, allowing the needs analysis to take place before the next full council
meeting.
Plans for the 11th February there was enthusiastic support for residents to lobby
council directly by attending County Hall in the 11th. Louise from Rib Club will
coordinate numbers and organise transport please sign up with you
name and a contact number.
Plans for transport post Feb 21st even if the cuts are not agreed, it is likely that
there will be a major disruption to services, with no services from Monday 22 nd
February. Current bus users will need to make their own arrangements. Annie
Lupton is talking with Greenleaf taxis about filling a minibus running
from Chipping to Longridge and Ribchester to Blackburn in the morning

in time for collage and back in the evening. Email Annie on

annlupton70@gmail.com ASAP if you would like to sign up for this.
ACTIONS FOR ALL write and/or email, see the newsletter due out soon,
protest on the 11th Feb.
If you need an address list, ask Rachel 07793 391346