Petition calls for bus route to be restored

People living in west Alderney say a bus link to Ashley Road in Parkstone is "vital" for shopping, pensions and charging meter keys.

But the link was lost last July when Transdev Yellow Buses withdrew the 68 service.

Ward councilor Tony Trent said: "People need to get to Ashley Road to reach shops, banks, and to charge key meters.

"Some have to pay every time they change bus because there isn't a single service."

Mum-of-seven Louise Lightbown organised the petition after finding her young family "stranded" on the estate.

"There are large families on the estate, and only one shop," she said.

And Mrs Lightbown said existing services to neighbouring areas were not good enough.

"We have to walk through a dark, wooded area to catch the Rossmore Flyer in Corbiere Avenue," she said.

Neighbouring east Alderney is served by two local carriers.

Damory Coaches' 7b service from Tower Park to Ashley Road stops at Alderney Post Office.

But Chris Harris, marketing manager of parent company Wilts & Dorset said a separate service into west Alderney would require council funding.

"There is no reason why we shouldn't discuss a service into east Alderney.

"But the 7b route and timetable is under contract to Borough of Poole," he said.

A spokesman for Transdev Yellow Buses said the 68 service had been withdrawn as part of a "network review".

He added that the local authority could fund a service where there was a social need.

Poole-based Roadliner runs the Rossmore Flyer service, which links east Alderney to Ashley Road.

Managing director Mark Self thinks a diversion to Belben Road is a possibility.

But Mr Self said the final decision on an extension of the route to west Alderney would rest with Poole council.

"He who pays the piper, calls the tune. The route is 100 per cent subsidised by Borough of Poole," he said.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet member for transportation, said the petition would have to go through a "full council process".