New bus proposal in Cumberland welcomed by locals
A proposed new dedicated bus route which will make it easier for people to get to see their doctor has been welcomed by campaigners and staff at a Carlisle surgery.
A proposed new dedicated bus route which will make it easier for people to get to see their doctor has been welcomed by campaigners and staff at a Carlisle surgery.
The service between Carlisle Durranhill and Carleton would service the Locke Road surgery, which is known as Carlisle Healthcare South, just off Eastern Way in the city.
It is one of a number of proposed routes which are currently put forward for procurement by Cumberland Council.
Earlier this year Cllr Robert Betton (Botcherby, Independent) set up a petition, both online and paper copies, for the route because he felt it should be easier for patients at the practice to access services.
He said the route and petition had been discussed at the Petteril Community Panel.
Cllr Betton said more than 1,000 residents had so far signed it and added that it was good news the route was included in the list.
He said: “I think it’s absolutely brilliant because it’s what the communities have needed for a long time since the surgery was built. It’s fantastic that they’ve supported it with over a thousand signatures.”
Cllr Betton said paper copies were available at local pharmacies, the surgery, and local shops, as well as the change.org website and added: “There was a massive support from everybody.”
Fellow campaigner Brian John Graham, from Botcherby, welcomed the news and said: “I’m pleased to see things marching on. We desperately need a system to get people here to the doctors, especially.”
He said there was a definite need for the service and added: “The doctors in the town have got bus services near them. In fact, Fusehill Street has a bus stop right outside the door. Why not here?”
Dr Robert Westgate, the clinical director at Carlisle Healthcare, added: “We’re encouraged to see the local authority considering the approval of a bus route to our GP surgery in Durranhill.
“This marks a positive step towards improving access to the site, which already benefits from a large on-site car park.
“Our thanks go to Cllr Betton and the campaigners for their continued efforts – a great example of community action making a difference.”
Catherine Gosson-Low, the practice secretary, also welcomed the inclusion of the route and added: “I think that’s going to be a really positive thing for the practice and it will really help with accessibility for people that don’t have cars.
“Also, it’s quite a long way from the nearest bus stop to the practice and it can only be a huge benefit.”
Earlier this month (August) Cumberland Council officially launched the procurement process for what was described as “a major expansion of bus services across the region”.
This follows the council’s recent approval to move to market, supported by £3.5million in Government funding through the Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP) which focuses on connecting communities, improving accessibility and supporting everyday travel needs.
Local bus operators were formally invited to submit tenders for the delivery of new and enhanced services designed to better connect communities and improve accessibility for residents and are encouraged to seize this opportunity to help provide high-quality, reliable public transport that meets the evolving needs of the area.
At the time Cllr Denise Rollo, the portfolio holder for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “This is a major milestone in revitalising our local transport infrastructure, but the long-term success of these services hinges on two things: strong operator engagement to deliver reliable routes, and active public use to keep them running.
“To local residents, the message is simple, if you want buses, use them. Your travel choices today will help shape the services available tomorrow.
“And to bus operators, we encourage you to take this opportunity to partner with us in building a more connected, accessible future for communities across Cumberland.”