MORE bus passengers need to respond to a survey about services in the Dean, says a local campaigner.

Sue Dubois, of Better Buses for the Forest of Dean, said: “We need hundreds of bus users’ voices to be heard otherwise Gloucestershire County Council will make your decision for you.”

She added: “Your routes may be threatened. The money from government is no longer available for rural routes sustainability.

The options given for bus users on services 23 (Lydney/Coleford) and 24 (Joy’s Green/Longhope) and 30/31 (Cinderford/ Coleford) focus on amalgamation of routes, dropping some Sunday services to give evening services.

“In Newent on the 132, they suggest using community services and booking in advance.

“Options for the Bevan’s buses serving Lydney, Cinderford, Coleford, Chepstow and Mitcheldean could include integrating public and schools journeys, reducing some services, replacing some services with Dial-a-Ride and cutting some services to two hourly.

“The 33 (from Ross) is not mentioned because it’s run by Herefordshire County Council and is safe at the moment.”

Paper forms can be requested by calling Sue on 01594 517297 or visiting your nearest library, or Dial-a-Ride in Lydney or Newent. 

Online forms can be found at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/funded transport.

The deadline for feedback is Monday, January 4.