I was very disappointed by the announcement of the ending of the X74 bus service through Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Filton. Constituents have been in touch with me to tell me how unhappy they are and how useful they found the service, particularly as it connected this part of Bristol with major employment areas like Abbeywood, UWE and the city centre. It also connects to SGS College in Filton, and shopping centres like the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke and the Abbey Wood Shopping Park. They were particularly disappointed at the lack of notice and publicity that was given before it was withdrawn.
As local Member of Parliament, I have met the Managing Director of First Bus in Bristol, James Freeman, to discuss the reasons for the ending of the service and the possibility of a replacement service being found. I have also been in touch with officers at South Gloucestershire Council and Town and District Councillors to look at ways of restoring a similar service. I will be arranging a meeting with them and Mr Freeman to look for a way forward.
I have used the X74 service regularly so I can vouch for its usefulness to residents. I will do everything I can to find a replacement for it.