KIRKLEES URGED TO HELP SAVE COLNE VALLEY TAXI BUS (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

KIRKLEES URGED TO HELP SAVE COLNE VALLEY TAXI BUS

May 16, 2008 5:54 AM

Colne Valley Taxi Bus

Kirklees Council is being urged to commit funds to keep the Colne Valley Taxi Bus on the road.

Cllr Nicola Turner (Lib Dem, Colne Valley Ward) and local residents - who have been fighting to save this crucial rural service from the axe - have succeeded in getting the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority to agree to provide part of the funding needed to keep the wheels turning up until January 2009 if Kirklees Council is willing to provide the rest.

Cllr Turner and the campaigners have now learnt that a report will be presented to Kirklees Cabinet on the 12th June asking for this financial agreement to be approved.

Cllr Nicola Turners says:

"Kirklees Cabinet must approve this deal. The taxi bus is an essential local service that provides the elderly and those that live further out in the valleys with a link to the village centres. Without it people without cars or support from friends or relatives would be isolated, unable to get to the shops, doctors and other services. Parents with young children also use the service as a way to get to and from the local schools."

"Local people and I have invested a great amount of time and energy into getting the PTA and Kirklees together to put this rescue package in place. Now we demand that the council's cabinet make it a reality."

"If the funding is agreed, myself and my ward colleagues will be making certain that the taxi bus service is advertised properly and widely to people living on and around the routes. Making certain the taxi bus is well used will be the key to securing its long term future".

Cllr Turner concludes by saying

"Rural communities like ours must be supported by public services if they are to maintain their independence and retain both their diversity and vitality. I will be continuing to work for improved transport links for the people of the Colne Valley in the months to come."