Changes to bus service through Bardwell – Update from SCC

On 14/08/2024 13:41, Joanna Spicer (SCC Councillor) wrote:

Good afternoon all – and some very good news that I please ask that you share as you wish and certainly with parish councillors.

Thanks to support from Chris Chambers (our SCC cabinet member) I am pleased to tell you that SCC have been working with Simonds new owner and have agreed SCC financial support to continue bus services between Diss and BSE – slightly reduced to those at present – but this in only until December 31st this year.  This includes early morning bus suitable for schools and college and a return at (I think) 4.15.

The support of SCC is much valued in terms of the urgent help needed especially for young people (and their worried parents) – but it is interim.  SCC are now going to help us use these forthcoming weeks as a “pilot”  for how we could put together a more formal community led bid. There are 2-3 options to explore.  In the next few weeks I will talk to all those affected parish councils about how that could be developed.

I do have myself draft timetables but they are still being checked and may be tweaked.  Bardwell Parish Council meet tomorrow (Thursday) and I hope we will be able to circulate more detail then.

Never stop learning !! in the last 3 weeks I have learned more about buses (costs and timetabling) than in 35 years as your councillor !

My best wishes

Joanna