Disgruntled residents sign petition

COMMUNITIES in Annandale are already fighting back against changes to their bus services. Residents in Langholm have started a petition to reverse the combing of the 120 town services with the 124 Samye Ling route. The blending of the two services has been described as ‘unacceptable’ by residents with many signing their names to a petition asking Dumfries and Galloway Council and Swestrans to restore the 120 route. The petition states: “The town circular service is a lifeline to many residents, enabling those in the outer reaches of the town to travel to the food and retail outlets and get home in a timely manner. This service is not for profit and should be funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council as a basic service, not put out to tender to the lowest bidder.” South of Scotland MSP Craig Hoy has also taken up the cause adding: “The Langholm town service is vital for residents in and around the town and should be maintained. “The merger of the 120 with the 124 service is simply unacceptable, leading to a reduction in the number of stops and the frequency of service that local people rely on. “I have written to Swestrans to outline my concerns and will be lobbying the Council ahead of Monday’s meeting, where this route and others will be discussed. “It’s extremely disappointing that this route has been cut given how important it is to the Langholm area. Along with residents, I will press for the full service to be reinstated.” Annandale East and Eskdale councillor Denis Male will present the petition at a special meeting of the full council on Monday.