Amess Joins Bus Protest

20th December 2005

On Monday 19th December, David Amess MP joined with his constituents to support their protest against the cuts to the Bus service in the Southend Area.

The meeting was organised in conjunction with Belfairs residents association that also arranged a local petition to which they obtained over 1000 signatures. This not only marks a great achievement by Mr John Beckett of Woodcutters Drive and others that have lead this campaign but it is also testament to the level of local feeling on this issue. They, and others from all over Southend that have been effected by bus cuts made in Spring of this year, gathered outside Belfairs post office with banners and placards and were joined by David Amess to receive the petition.

Speaking after the event David Amess said,

‘I am delighted to see so many local residents here today. This protest has shown in no uncertain terms how important these bus services are to local people, especially in areas such as Belfairs where the taxis that they currently have to rely on to get to the hospital or to the town centre for example cost as much as £7 for a single journey. This is simply not a feasible option for elderly people or those on low incomes. I am grateful to receive this petition and I intend to present it to the House of Commons tomorrow.’