Bus complaints flood in

COUNCILLORS have revealed they have been inundated with concerns about the region’s new bus services timetable. Annandale North Councillor Carolyne Wilson, leader of the Labour Group, this week insisted “there are so many unanswered questions” after Dumfries and Galloway Council’s announcement last week about new contracts and reorganised bus services from August 7 onwards. And yesterday (Monday), the Labour Group requested a special full council meeting to discuss the bus service provision across the region. Councillor Wilson, above, said: “Despite assurances of business as usual from the SNP council leader, Stephen Thompson, and Councillor John Campbell, chair of Swestrans, saying that the publication of the new timetables will help people confidently plan their journeys, we have been inundated with concerns from residents across the region wondering how they will get to and from work or access vital services after August 7. “There are so many unanswered questions that we believe that the only way to get answers for our constituents is to call a special full council meeting.” Depute Labour Group leader, Lochar Councillor Linda Dorward, said: “We refuse to stand by and accept the ongoing managed decline of our bus service, our constituents deserve better and need to know how the SNP administration plans to grow rather than reduce public transport in the region.” Last month, Councillor Wilson called for a complete overhaul of bus provision to deliver more routes and support wider community transport provision.