As you know, I entirely share your concerns and know just how important Service F is for people living in Leckhampton - including residents at the Leonard Cheshire home - who rely on Service F for travelling into town, to the hospital, to work, to school and to the Bath Road shops.
In my discussions with Stagecoach and other stakeholders, I have been clear that residents in this part of Cheltenham should not be left without access to an adequate bus service.
I welcomed GCC’s agreement to put a replacement weekday service for Service F out to tender, and I am pleased that a replacement Leckhampton to Cheltenham Town Centre service has been secured from Monday 28th November.
The new Service L – which will be run by Marchants - will connect Leckhampton with the Bath Road shops, Cheltenham General Hospital, Montpellier and Cheltenham Town Centre.
You can view the new timetable by clicking HERE.
As you may have seen from GCC’s announcement, the new Service L will not continue to Coronation Square and will instead end on North Street (by Primark). GCC state that “Stagecoach bus service A may be a suitable replacement service for some passengers whilst passengers with mobility issues may wish to speak to Community Connexions regarding their dial-a-ride service on 0345 680 5029.”
I am mindful that this will impact some local residents, and I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Cabinet Member responsible at GCC to discuss this further. I would be grateful if you could reply to this email with your thoughts on the new Service L so that I can provide direct feedback.
You may also wish to submit your feedback to GCC through the following link: Stagecoach service changes | Have Your Say Gloucestershire (engagementhq.com)
In the meantime, GCC will also be providing updates and further information through the following link: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKGLOUCESTERSHIRE/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKGLOUCESTERSHIRE_372
I am committed to ensuring that all my constituents are able to access a reliable and affordable public transport and I will continue to work constructively with all parties to deliver a more reliable service for Cheltenham.
Thank you again for emailing.
Best wishes,
Alex
Alex Chalk KC MP
Member of Parliament for Cheltenham
Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence