CAMPAIGNERS are fighting plans to cut more key bus routes in Cirencester.

Stagecoach West says four routes which would affect residents in Cirencester and the east Cotswolds are under threat.

Managers say the costs of operating the 50, 76, 77 and 78 services on behalf on Gloucestershire County Council are substantially higher than the funding they have received.

Many elderly residents, young people and people with disabilites rely on routes 50 Cirencester to Ampney Crucis, 76 and 77 Cirencester to Highworth and 78 Winson to Cirencester to get around.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Number 50 Cirencester to Ampney Stagecoach bus Number 50 Cirencester to Ampney Stagecoach bus (Image: Camilla Foster, Newsquest)

Stagecoach West originally told Gloucestershire County Council that contracts would end in May due to increased running costs but this decision has now been delayed until September while negotiations take place.

Members of community action group Cirencester Action on Buses, which has been working to protect bus services in the area since for nearly 10 years, are furious at the plans.

Campaigners, alongside support of councillors such as Cllr Roly Hughes for Chesterton, saved the number 58 bus in November.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Cotswold District Councillor for Four Acres Ward Ray Brassington, Cotswold District Councillor for Chesterton Roly Hughes and Peggy Tout at Chesterton Lane bus stopCotswold District Councillor for Four Acres Ward Ray Brassington, Cotswold District Councillor for Chesterton Roly Hughes and Peggy Tout at Chesterton Lane bus stop (Image: Camilla Foster, Newsquest)

The 58 service connects Stratton, the Beeches and Chesterton to the town centre and also stops at the hospital, Tesco and Waitrose. 

David Prewett, a spokesperson for Cirencester Action on Buses, said the group is  ‘appalled’ by the latest news to axe four vital services.

He said: "We have worked alongside all the major stakeholders and gained 1,000 signatories to our petition against the proposed cut of a town service.

"We are appalled at Stagecoach West's decision to axe these services. 

"This has apparently happened after a fight between Gloucestershire County Council and Stagecoach West over who should help fund these services which Stagecoach claim are totally uneconomic.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Number 50 Cirencester to Ampney Stagecoach bus Number 50 Cirencester to Ampney Stagecoach bus (Image: Camilla Foster, Newsquest)

"We are fully aware of the enormous cost pressures that are facing county councils after Government promises following the 2019 election that rural bus services would be included in grants from central Government.

"We feel that central Government is actually backing down from its proposals and responsibilities to support rural buses.

"We feel that central Government is failing to honour its election promises.”

Manager director at Stagecoach West Rachel Geliamassi said: "Stagecoach West currently operates services 50, 76, 77 and 78 on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council and we hope we can continue to serve our customers on these routes in the future. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: L-R: Cotswold District Councillor for Four Acres Ward Ray Brassington, Cotswold District Councillor for Chesterton Roly Hughes, Peggy Tout and bus passengers in front of the number 50 Cirencester to Ampney Stagecoach bus L-R: Cotswold District Councillor for Four Acres Ward Ray Brassington, Cotswold District Councillor for Chesterton Roly Hughes, Peggy Tout and bus passengers in front of the number 50 Cirencester to Ampney Stagecoach bus (Image: Camilla Foster, Newsquest)

"However, we have notified the council that the costs to operate these services is now higher than the funding we are receiving, and the difference is not being covered by the passenger revenue sufficiently to maintain the service indefinitely.

“All bus operators are facing increases in costs as we operate in a competitive employment market and are seeing an increase in costs to fuel and vehicle parts.

"We recognise the effect withdrawing a service can have on the local community and welcome continued dialogue with the council to find a solution which would support these services longer term."

Philip Robinson, cabinet member with responsibility for buses at GCC, said: “We are aware of Stagecoach’s proposed cuts to services in Cirencester and east Cotswolds and have been working with Stagecoach to try to avoid these cuts coming into place.

"Though we are pleased that Stagecoach delayed the implementation of these cuts, we are disappointed that they haven’t ruled out cutting them later in the year, once again cancelling routes our residents rely on.

“We will keep residents updated on what any changes will mean for them.”