Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD MEETS STAGECOACH BOSS OVER BUS CHANGES

Moray’s MSP met with the Managing Director of Stagecoach North, Mark Whitelocks, over the controversial plans to withdraw key bus services in Moray.  On Friday Mr Lochhead pressed the Stagecoach boss to halt plans to withdraw buses serving Findhorn, Kinloss, Forres and Elgin.

Specific concerns were raised about the impact the loss of the number 36 service would have on residents in Findhorn and Kinloss, particularly on elderly passengers who rely on the bus to get to the doctor’s surgery and other services in Forres.  Mr Lochhead also made it clear that he was very concerned about what the withdrawal of the number 30 service in Elgin would mean for the residents at Larch Court who will be stranded should the proposals go ahead.

Mr Lochhead has already held talks with the Managing Director of Stagecoach in recent weeks ahead of the proposed changes that are to be effective from the 8th May.  The MSP will continue to pursue this issue as changes to the proposals can be made by Stagecoach right up to that date. 

Speaking after the meeting, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“In recent weeks I’ve been inundated with emails and letters from constituents who will be affected by Stagecoach’s proposals to withdraw local bus services.  I made it clear to the Managing Director that I absolutely share the concerns of my constituents and pressed him to look at every possible option before cutting these vital services.

“Mr Whitelocks indicated that he was now actively exploring an option to ensure Findhorn and Kinloss continue to benefit from a reasonable service which is welcome and I will be receiving further details on this this week.

“In terms of other routes, clearly, where there is a social need for a bus service such as in the case of providing a service for those at Larch Court in Elgin, the Council has a role to play and it is astonishing that Moray Council is the only rural local authority north of the central belt that doesn’t subsidise bus services.  I’ll be contacting the Council again in the coming days to urge them to look at what steps they can take to save these essential bus routes.”