Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Blackmore: Reprieve of 261 Bus Service

A vigorous campaign by the Blackmore, Hook End and Wyatts Green Parish Council; many e mails from local residents and a massive Facebook presence has resulted in Essex County Council changing their mind regarding the future of the 261 Bus Service from Blackmore to Brentwood via Doddinghurst.  

This from the County Councillor:

Thank you for your recent communication highlighting your views on the 261 commercial service withdrawal.

I am pleased to report that I have agreed that Essex County Council is to step in and to initially support the service, from early in the new year. 

Following the statutory notice given by the commercial operator in the autumn, officers at Essex County Council have worked around the clock to find a solution within extremely tight deadlines and financial constraints.  Unfortunately, due to the notice period required for registration of bus services, the service can only start early in the new year so there will be an unavoidable gap in service.  I appreciate the inconvenience that this may cause but I would like to stress that every effort has been made by officers to continue the service seamlessly.

As all bus services continue to be under financial pressure it will be important to keep using and promoting this clearly much loved service to ensure its long term future. 

I am afraid I will not be able to reply again to individual emails with the full details of the new service.  These will be announced by the council and I will also ensure that local county councillors and the parish councils are informed so they can disseminate the information locally.

I would also like to take this time to wish you and your families a restful holiday season and a happy new year.

Best wishes

Cllr Eddie Johnson
Cabinet Member Highways and Transport Delivery

Essex County Council

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