Natland Parish Council
Clerk: Kevin M Price
Braeside, Low Greenhills, Crook, Kendal, Cumbria. LA8 8LA.
Telephone 01539-821596 kevtherev7@hotmail.com
3rd November 2011.
Mr Mark Hodgkiss
Scheduled Bus Services Officer
Cumbria County Council
Integrated Transport
18 Portland Square
Carlisle. CA1 1PE.
Dear Mr Hodgkiss,
Service 552: Arnside – Kendal via Milnthorpe:
I write regarding the proposed timetable changes to the above service, which were discussed at the meeting of Natland Parish Council earlier this week.
The Council believes that efforts have been made by St Marks C of E School and other agencies to alleviate the traffic problems that have been experienced recently in the operation of this service. Although there is presently much building work being carried out in the village, this will not last indefinitely and any problems arising from it should be short-lived.
This service is a life-line for many people in Natland, especially the elderly and those without their own transport. It is used not only for shopping in either Kendal or Milnthorpe, but also for hospital visits, and attendance at the Helme Chase Surgery, which would not be possible if the service was severely reduced.
If the present full service cannot be maintained, then the minimum that would be acceptable to the Parish Council would be for there to be two return trips in each direction, through Natland, both on weekdays and Saturdays. . Although there is a morning service in the present proposals, it is essential that there is also an afternoon service provided to enable residents to return. The proposed cancellation of the Saturday service would bring unacceptable hardship. In addition, the Council wonders if the proposed timings are realistic to allow for buses to be negotiated along the narrow roads in this and adjacent parishes?
Natland is designated as a ‘Local Service Centre’ and, as such, there is a contract between the parish and the Principal Authority. It should therefore not be neglected. Natland Parish Council will continue to try to reduce congestion and address issues of concern, to enable this service to be maintained at as high a level as possible.
I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Yours sincerely,
Kevin M Price. Parish Clerk.
cc Councillor Brenda Gray,
Mr Nigel Winter – Stagecoach,
Tim Farron MP,
Natland Parish Councillors.