Campaigners at both ends of a “lifeline” bus service have joined forces after it was revealed a service may be scrapped.
Last week, Arriva admitted that the 324 bus that runs from Watford to Maple Cross was “under review”.
It prompted the Watford Liberal Democrat party to launch a petition to save the service which is now being backed by people and councillors in Three Rivers.
Chairman of Three Rivers District Council (TDRC) Cllr Phil Williams, who represents Chorleywood South and Maple Cross, said: “It’s just not good enough. The last bus to Maple Cross is 7pm after which the village is devoid of public transport.
“It’s even worse for West Hyde who have no public transport at all. How can they even think about cutting the service? There’s a new school opening with 800 pupils.”
One resident from Maple Cross, who wanted to remain anonymous, said many elderly people “rely” on the 324 bus to reach hospitals, dentists, and doctors.
The Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor with campaigners in the Meriden estate
Arriva has been criticised for the “poor running” of the service. Councillors in the Meriden estate in Watford say buses regularly miss stops on the estate if it is running late.
The petition is being backed by the Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor.
He is urging residents to sign the petition.
He said: "Hundreds of residents living along the route have already signed our petition to save the 324 bus. However, we need even more signatures to make the point to Arriva in our meeting that this is a service residents want and use."
A spokeswoman for Arriva said last week: "We can confirm the 324 service is under review and Arriva are consulting with Hertfordshire County Council to ensure residents are not left without a service."
The petition can be seen here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel