MSP raises bus issues at Holyrood

SOUTH Scotland MSP Craig Hoy has challenged the Scottish Government in Holyrood to 'properly fund' Dumfriesshire bus services following the withdrawal of key services and cutbacks to other routes. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, he urged public finance minister Ivan McKee to use the next Scottish budget to give rural areas a fair funding settlement to reverse bus cuts. The Conservative candidate for Dumfriesshire in the forthcoming Holyrood election said: “SNP run Dumfries and Galloway Council has withdrawn some key subsidised bus services as a result of what it describes as funding constraints, following a widespread review of the region’s bus network. From Sanquhar to Langholm, this is causing huge difficulty and distress for residents both young and old.” He added: “Will the Scottish Government now, as it prepares its next budget, commit to a full and fair funding formula for Scotland's rural councils and ensure that it properly funds Scotland's at-risk rural bus network"? Mr Hoy has been in regular contact with Dumfries and Galloway Council and Swestrans over recent issues with the bus network and understands there are “funding constraints”, which may have contributed to some issues with the new network. Commenting after the exchange, the MSP said: “Dumfriesshire’s bus network is in a desperate state, with some communities cut off entirely and others facing huge challenges because of cuts to services. "This is the number one issue being raised with me by residents across the constituency. I am pressing key stakeholders to ensure essential routes and times work for those who rely on them and that services which have been withdrawn are restored. "Commuters, those accessing hospital appointments, school pupils and the elderly need a reliable and regular bus service. It is time for the Scottish Government to step up, stop neglecting rural essential services and finally give councils and bus operators a fair deal.”