Following much protest from the residents of villages along the A48, Gloucestershire County Council has reached an agreement with two local bus companies – with Bevan buses to run buses at times suitable for shoppers and starting at 8.50am from Lydney, and with Chepstow Classic buses to run one school bus that leaves Lydney at 8.03am to arrive in Chepstow at 8.35am – too late for most commuters.
It is no longer possible for anyone living along the A48 to get a morning bus to work in Chepstow.
The A48 is a major route in the county. It is a congested and dangerous road that has been the scene of many fatal accidents in recent years. It is to the benefit of all to get as many people as possible using public transport on this route. As Mr Stan Waddington of the county council says: "We want to get more people out of their cars and into buses and Stagecoach are making a big contribution to that aim." Except of course in this instance Stagecoach is sadly not contributing to that aim.
I accept that I and my fellow travellers are only a small group but, to quote, the service is "our lifeline." I have phoned the Integrated Transport Section of the council to ask if it might be possible that the early 73 bus could have a stop at Lydney Station and thus enable commuters to catch the 7.20am Lydney to Chepstow train. Sadly it appears that the closest we can be dropped off is Lydney cemetery at (you've guessed it) 7.20am. I have phoned the bus companies who blame the council for the sorry state of affairs and I have phoned the council who blame the bus company.
So I regret that I will not be using the 94 that will now run every 10 minutes between Gloucester and Cheltenham. Forgive me for not being delighted that the good folk of Gloucester and Cheltenham can now sit on Italian designed leather seats in plush surroundings. I would happily sit on a plank of wood if I could still catch the bus to work in Chepstow. – Margaret Ellis, Newnham.