Surrey County Council has arranged a public walk-in session in Godalming to discuss the proposed changes to local bus services, including its intention to axe the 503, Hambledon’s only bus service.
It will take place next Friday (February 26) at the Crown Court car park where representatives of SCC and the operators Stagecoach will be in attendance on a bus. Residents can drop in at anytime between 10 am and 12 noon to discuss the proposed changes and to express their views.
SCC, faced with budget cuts, is looking to further reduce the subsidy it pays to bus operators to keep rural routes operating. Some areas will see alterations or reductions but Hambledon will be hit hard because it is proposed to withdraw the 503 altogether.
A final decision will be made after the current period of consultation ends on March 14. Hambledon Parish Council is opposing the scrapping of the 503, which it regards as a vital link for many, especially the elderly, to reach shops, banks and surgeries.
Residents who wish the service to continue are urged to make their views known. They can do so online at www.surreycc.gov.uk/transportreview or by phoning 0300 200 1003 to request a copy of the questionnaire to be sent to their home. Copies can also be obtained from libraries and council offices.
- If you know of someone who will be affected by the withdrawal of the 503 who is unlikely to read this online story, please contact them and pass on details of the drop-in session and the public consultation.
It would be a tragic and dreadful mistake, to scrap the 503 bus service.
There are several villagers rely on it, being car-less or unable to drive.
We have carried several stories on this over the years, all with great local support.
Please, please rethink and retain the service.
John Hindley editor, Hambledon Parish Magazine
A thoughtless and careless Council proposal which I hope will not come to fruition. The short ride from Hambledon into Godalming and back by bus is the only link many elderly and non-driving residents rely upon weekly. We are not remote enough to warrant an axe of this route when it already exists on a skeleton service. Penny pinching from those who are most in need of this basic council service (like bin collection) is simply abhorrent. Perhaps the Council will be proposing axing our rubbish collection next?