For timetable changes and background information on this letter see below: Saddleworth affected by a reduction in bus services
It is of concern that the Traffic commissioners have to support the changes to Saddleworth bus services if they have been advertised in the proper way, which they probably have, even the Traffic Commissioners are powerless to do other than approve them.
You will see they are quite significant as far as Saddleworth is concerned. Only one bus to Greenfield and Diggle per hour. The second bus coming to Diggle will turn at Dobcross although, at this stage, we do not know where. It may be at the Navigation turning circle or Dobcross village itself. The latter would prove almost impossible so it is fair to assume it is the former. It is also probable there will be no buses going down Sam Road to the turning circle and it remains to be seen whether any thought will be given to linking the bus with the train to Manchester.
Most of us probably don’t use the bus but we have to bear in mind we might just have to and there are many others who use it regularly even if it is just a trip to Uppermill. Without being pejorative it is the vulnerable who will suffer the most.
It is important we oppose these proposals with as much vehemence as possible. Please alert those who do not have a computer who are bus users and we all need to write to Beverley Bell, Suite 4, Steve Cross Place, Steve Cross Lane, Golbourne, Warrington, WA3 2SH. Tel. 0300 123 9000 E Mail: enquiries@vosa.gov.uk. We need to bear in mind the proposed changes are to satisfy the commercial economic needs of the company and although you are being invited to object, at the end of the day First Bus will be the ones making the decision and they are not bound by any legislation which compels them to listen to what residents are saying.
I have sent this letter to Diggle village contacts; Parish Councillors and Chairs of the Village Residents’ Associations.
Royce Franklin
The views and opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not represent the views and opinions of the the editor. Letters may be edited.
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Letter to the Editor
The fight will continue say Saddleworth residents
I believe the bus terminating in Dobcross will simply loop around the village, e.g
Upperill, Dobcross New Road, Dobcross Village, Sugar Lane, Wool Road.
Somewhere along that section I mentioned, the bus will ‘finish’ the route, I’m not too sure where though .. I assume the Navigation turning Circle.
I’m very confident that Dobcross village will still be served though, without the need of an official turnaround point actually in the village square itself.
One other thing, I also believe through routes to Huddersfield will still serve Sam Road and the Old Station terminus, so for example it will come down Huddersfield Road in Diggle then turn right into Sam Lane, use the ‘terminus’ and then continue onto Huddersfield when it reaches the village again.
I don’t think that First would ‘miss out’ Dobcross village or Diglea/Sam Road, simply because this is where the passengers come from
I also believe the changes include the withdrawal of the 82 service (the old 183), meaning Scouthead no longer have a through service to Manchester. Still waiting confirmation that this is the case though. (Delph village and Delph New Road of course will also suffer from this withdrawal, although the X84 express service will still continue after the changes).
I believe improvements have been made on the 350 route, you may have noticed the improve fleet working the 350 recently, and there is the possibility that the service will become more frequent at peak times to compensate for the loss of the 82. This allows for a quick change to appropriate buses when arriving at Oldham.
regarding the changes to the timetables. Has nt anyone noticed that in the morning there is a bus at 6.12am then nothing until 8.07 (later then previous) its fine for school but what about students going to sixth form or for people going into work the 8.07 doesnt arrive (officially) until 9am. A lot of people were catching the 7.30 to get in in time.