BUS users have spoken of their concerns after the cancellation of a service that serves the Cartmel Peninsula.

Travellers Choice has announced the withdrawal of the 530/532 bus services starting from July 20, saying it is no longer commercially viable.

The bus, which goes around the peninsula, stopping at Lindale, Grange, Allithwaite, Flookburgh, Cartmel and Cark, before taking passengers into Kendal, will cease to exist.

The Westmorland Gazette: Mr and Mrs Simpson.Mr and Mrs Simpson. (Image: Newsquest, Filipa Gaspar)

Susan Simpson, from Grange, said the bus cancellation will be a 'great loss for pedestrians.'

Mrs Simpson, 76, said: "I'm a pedestrian and the bus stop is around the corner from me and to do shopping like me and my husband are doing we need this bus service.

"We do have a bus service further down in Grange but it is the X6 and to do a shop, pulling up and going up the hill is far too much for us.

"We have been told to use buses to help the environment but unfortunately we are badly served here."

Her husband added: "We are all getting older and the car is not always the option. You are not fit to travel in a car but you are fit to travel in a bus."

The Westmorland Gazette: Lisa Thurston and her daughter.Lisa Thurston and her daughter. (Image: Newsquest, Filipa Gaspar)

Lisa Thurston, from Kents Bank, said that for older people, catching the bus is a way for them to 'avoid isolation.'

She said: "I know they will not be able to socialise, and many will be very unhappy.

"For us, it is also a struggle, and it takes forever to get anywhere, and it's hard carrying home shopping for an hour."

Helen Smith, 38, from Ravesntown, said that this situation is 'impacting' her mentally as she will have to change her job if a bus replacement is not implemented.

She said: "I get the bus four times a week to work and it is great for the hours that I work. I get on at Ravenstown and it is the only bus that comes in the morning.

"I go on that every morning to go to Grange and then I generally get the train home but if this bus stops I will have to probably look at changing my job as I won't be able to get there.

"I'm a single mum-of-two so I wouldn't be getting any form of income if I lose this job."

 

The Westmorland Gazette: 530 bus in Grange.530 bus in Grange. (Image: Newsquest, Filipa Gaspar)

Mr. Reginald, 74, from Grange, said: "The people that have trouble getting out will become more like hermits.

"We could argue that socially it covers needs because if people are in the houses more you will have more mental health issues, so get ready to be spending more on the community nurses and doctors."

A woman from Flookburgh said: "I do still have a car and I still drive but it is very convenient to have this service. I get picked up in Flookburgh and dropped in the centre of Kendal.

"It would be diabolical to people who haven't got a car because those living in Allithwaite, Flookburgh and Cartmel won't have any access going to Grange and it will be dreadful for them."

The Westmorland Gazette: Resident from Flookburgh. Resident from Flookburgh. (Image: Newsquest, Filipa Gaspar)

A spokesman for The Travellers Choice said it was not 'commercially viable' to keep the services 'without the school run.'

The spokesman said: "There are no council subsidies anymore for bus services. That service would have ended years ago if it had not been for the school run.

"It has been a hard decision to take, but we are a business, so we can't pay to run our vehicles; the vehicles need to pay for themselves.

"It is a lot harder because it is a rural area which over the years has lost out massively on bus services, and it is not good, but it all comes down to lack of funding.

"We are working with our sister company at the minute to try and put in place a bus, even if it is just a couple of times a week, but there is no guarantee."

The Westmorland Gazette: Withdrawal notice at bus stop in Grange.Withdrawal notice at bus stop in Grange. (Image: Newsquest, Filipa Gaspar)

Tim Farron, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, is calling on bus companies and local councils to work together to find a solution to save this bus service. 

He said: "Losing the peninsula's bus service would be a huge loss for the many people who don't have a car, to local businesses, and it would also be a backwards step in our fight to reduce carbon emissions here in Cumbria.

"The Government has heavily cut funding for local councils to provide services like buses, but it's important that all options are explored to keep a bus service in Cartmel, Grange and our local villages running."

To sign the petition, visit: https://www.wfelibdems.uk/campaigns/save-the-cartmel-peninsula-bus-service