Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans today spoke out in the House of Commons against proposals by Lancashire County Council to remove subsidies from bus services in Lancashire.
Speaking to the Leader of the House of Commons Chris Grayling Mr Evans said;
‘The County Council embarked on a consultation about the withdrawal of subsidies for buses in the area which is running until the end of March.
In the meantime they’ve already told bus operators that they’re going to withdraw the subsidies and some bus services are actually going to stop on 21st February. Can he arrange for a Government Minister to make a statement about this sham consultation and what action can be taken to ensure that some of the most elderly and vulnerable living in villages who will now be isolated if these bus cuts take place and how we are going to help them?’
The Leader of the House responded;
‘It isn’t acceptable for a county council to announce proposals, to consult on that proposal but to have decided what to do before they’ve even seen consultation responses.’
Speaking after the debate Mr Evans said;
“It is important that Lancashire County Council are aware of the scale of opposition to these proposals, and the widespread concern felt by people in the Ribble Valley. I will continue to argue against the removal of these subsidies. People in the Ribble Valley cannot be left without these vital public services.”