Mid Dorset MP Annette Brooke calls for better bus services

12.38.10pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 21st Aug 2007

Annette Brooke today spoke out criticising the lack of public transport provision in her constituency of Mid Dorset and North Poole, which is still suffering the effects of widespread cuts to bus services.

'The situation is dire for the elderly and for those people who depend on the bus services for access to work and essential services," said Annette.

"The lack of bus services does nothing to help congestion in Poole and Dorset as there is no incentive for people to use their cars less when there is no alternative transport," she added.

Annette has called on Wilts and Dorset bus company and Poole Borough and Dorset County Councils to meet together and identify the core areas which could be presented to government as a case for more funding.

Annette said, "As a commercial company, Wilts and Dorset's prime objective is to make profits for shareholders. The Councils have to protect the interests of council tax payers. I feel there must be an area in the middle, where both 'parties' agree we need more funding to support desperately needed services. Wilts and Dorset have already expressed a willingness to participate and I hope therefore that new talks will begin on how to improve the inadequate situation we have at the moment."

Notes to editors

In Annette's Constituency, Corfe Mullen remains the worst hit after losing services this year and last year. Meanwhile residents in Merley, Broadstone, and Creekmoor have all been affected and continue to write to Annette about the lack of public transport provision.