Bus services saved

LITTLE DOWNHAM villagers are celebrating victory after their bus services were saved from the axe. The news came yesterday morning (Wednesday) after residents campaigned to save the services which they claimed were a lifeline for many villagers. This sho

LITTLE DOWNHAM villagers are celebrating victory after their bus services were saved from the axe.

The news came yesterday morning (Wednesday) after residents campaigned to save the services which they claimed were a lifeline for many villagers.

"This shows what people power can do," said Little Downham Parish Council chairman, Keith Norton.

"We have had the parishioners behind us and this is good news."

The decision by Cambridgeshire County Council means that the 125 service from Little Downham to Ely, which runs every day except Sunday, and the 213 service to Bury St Edmunds, via Ely, which runs on Wednesdays, will continue to operate but remain under review.

Council officials had planned to cut the services to save money, claiming they were underused and not viable.

But after working closely with operators they have made savings during the tendering process to secure the services.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor John Reynolds said: "We have listened carefully to what the public have told us and worked closely with bus operators to continue to run as many of these essential services as possible."

Now the county council will work closely with the parish council to see whether more passengers can be encouraged to use the services.