Are buses really returning 365 days of the year?

We have recently sent an email to Dan Norris & WECA regarding SGS Business Case and Bid for Funding asking for the funding bid to be rejected

This is on the basis that full, thorough and fair consultation has not taken place

This email included an attachment running to 11 pages

We would be only too pleased to forward you a copy should you like one

We are obviously pleased that South Gloucestershire Council have eventually relented and announced that buses will once again run through the High Street

Ever since Autumn 2020, when the first results of the surveys were hitting their desk, they will have known that the majority of people wanted buses on the High Street

SGC have a lot to answer for with their complete disregard for the Community

It would appear that despite the announcement in mid November they had not even contacted the bus companies about services returning

Nor have they consulted or agreed on the location of the bus stop and stand or thought about the raised kerb, bus shelter and digital  information board

It appears that the TROs were signed off in the same week as the announcement on the buses

The Funding bid also seems to have been done at the same time

All rather a coincidence

If the TROs had not been signed off so hastily the buses could have returned to the normal place outside the Co-op, at least on a temporary basis, and buses could have returned by this Christmas

As it is we will probably be another 6 to 12 months

This will mean the less well abled bus users in the community will have been prevented from visiting the High Street for well over 2 years

It would appear that the SGC announcement that buses will return is not all that is seems and we request that you continue in your campaign to reopen the High Street fully to buses

SGC appear to be wanting the fortnightly traveling market to continue within the High Street

Obviously this blocks all traffic and the bus companies & passengers would be seriously inconvenienced if they were to be diverted once a fortnight

It just is not practical and SGC must be disabused of this notion

Also SGC have not confirmed that all buses will be able to return

Not all of the buses in Thornbury are scheduled services e.g. Four Towns and Vales Link, School Buses, Minibus & Taxis for people and pupils with disabilities (there at least 3 homes/schools for people with disabilities that are affected) etc.

The market itself does not bring increased trade to the traders located within the High Street

Shopkeepers in the High Street tell us that on market days footfall and takings drop

The market stalls block off access to the established shops and any visitors are unaware of the shops and businesses within the High Street

The market is reducing the viability of the High Street

Now is the time for SGC to rethink

There were already three markets held regularly in Thornbury being the 3 monthly food fair in Castle Street, Farmers market in St Mary Centre and market stalls within the St Mary Street carpark

SGC should put their efforts into supporting these three markets rather than messing things up by bringing in a traveling market from South Wales

Any benefits go out of the area

Stall holders should be limited to the geographical area of South Gloucestershire in order to promote local producers and businesses and reduce carbon footprint

So to conclude:

Let us know if you would like a copy of the attachment to WECA

Please continue with your campaign to open the High Street to all buses 24 hours a day and 365 days of the year

South Gloucestershire whilst claiming to listen to the community show by their actions that they don’t really care at all