A petition has been launched to save bus services 1 & 2.

In a bid to preserve two essential Hinckley bus routes set for termination at the month’s end, a petition has been initiated. Scheduled for discontinuation on Tuesday, August 29, Routes 1 leading to Earl Shilton and 2 connecting to Barwell are poised to be removed due to diminished customer demand, as conveyed by operator Arriva earlier this month.

Arriva is currently enacting a series of alterations to its service offerings in the region, with the overarching goal of establishing a service that is more punctual, reliable, and improved overall. Nonetheless, local representative Michael Mullaney of the Liberal Democrat party voiced concerns about the impending changes. He highlighted that a significant segment of Hinckley’s populace, particularly the elderly, greatly benefits from the strategic placement of bus stops along these two routes in proximity to their residences. The proposed modifications have evoked dissatisfaction among these individuals, who fear the loss of this convenient accessibility.

In a proactive measure to safeguard these at-risk services, Michael Mullaney has launched a petition.
He shared, “I’ve received communications from numerous elderly residents residing near the number 1 and 2 bus stops. They are genuinely disheartened by the looming termination of their bus services come the end of August. These services hold immense convenience for many residents in Hinckley, Barwell, and Earl Shilton, whose homes align with the paths of routes 1 and 2.”

Mullaney has expressed his opposition to these cuts through written correspondence and is now spearheading a petition directed at Arriva, urging them to reconsider and maintain these vital services.

He emphasized, “These services are of particular value to elderly and disabled residents, given that they provide stops that are closer to their residences compared to other bus services.”

The petition is available for online signatures on the Bosworth Liberal Democrats website(Click Here), or residents can opt for a paper copy by calling 07576289910.