There are clashing perspectives over a public meeting on a Reading Buses service for Caversham, which is set to be axed within days.
The number 22 bus service between the town centre and Caversham Heights is set to be withdrawn by Reading Buses on Monday, July 20.
Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central, who represents Caversham, organised a public meeting for people to voice their concerns at Highdown School.
The meeting was meant to take place on June 26, but this was postponed due to a heat warning to Monday, July 6.
Although the Local Democracy Reporting Service signed up to attend, no invite has been seen.
There are clashing perspectives about what the outcome of the meeting was.
While Mr Rodda stated Reading Borough Council is not giving up on the route councillor Isobel Ballsdon, who represents the area, argues residents were left feeling angry and frustrated.
Mr Rodda said: “Buses are a very important local service, and that’s why I am really pleased that the council has said it is not giving up on the 22 bus service.
“This is an important step forward, and I want to thank John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for transport, for making this commitment at the public meeting.
“I would also like to thank the 140 or so residents who came to the meeting.
“I have been campaigning on this issue since Reading Buses announced that it plans to close the 22 after the service made a significant loss.
“I am also raising the problem of stiff competition from the rival X40 service, which arrives at the same bus stops as the 22 service just before the 22 bus is due to arrive.
“I understand the financial pressures faced by Reading Buses, caused by issues like rising fuel prices, which has forced it to put up ticket prices and to cut four routes, including the 22, one in Earley and one to Twyford.”
However, cllr Isobel Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights) slammed the structure of the meeting.
She claimed that many who attended were unable to make their feelings known due to a lack of tables and chairs being provided for a ‘break-out’ session during the meeting to devise feedback.
Cllr Ballsdon said: “People were really dissatisfied that their questions were not answered. I asked whether the council would delay the end of the service, but didn’t get a reply.
“It was really frustrating to not hear any meat on the bone and still be faced with the withdrawal a week before parking charges go up – if someone wants to park for an hour in the town centre, they now have to pay double, it’s ridiculous.
“Cllr Ennis said part of the reason behind the fare increases is to encourage people to do the right thing by using public transport, while on the other hand, allowing the 22 service to be withdrawn, forcing people into their cars for those lucky enough to have them.
“Residents told me they were frustrated and angry; a lot were saying it was pointless, it was a fait accompli – the council has made up its mind not to stop the withdrawal of the service taking place.”
Parking fare changes will come into force on Monday, July 27.
An example of the fare increases is at Queens Road car park, where a £2.30 fare for a one-hour stay has been replaced with a £4.60 two hour minimum stay.
