Monday, 5 September will be the start of a new era of public transport for over a dozen villages and estates in Nottinghamshire.
After a campaign to save the 141 bus that 3643 residents signed up to – Stagecoach will officially take over the service from Trent Barton.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, who launched the petition and suggested Stagecoach took over the service labelled it a “…victory for people power.”
The full timetable has now been published and is identical to the previous one – as requested by Councillors right along the route which serves City Hospital and Kings Mill Hospital.
As soon as Trent Barton announced they were axing the service – Councillors swung into action.
They tracked down the Managing Director of Trent Barton Jeff Counsell who was on holiday.
An emergency meeting was held where Trent Barton confirmed they had no intention of continuing the service. A petition was launched – where at one point – concerned residents signed up at a rate of 1 a minute.
Councillor Zadrozny then wrote to the Managing Director of Stagecoach – Matthew Cranwell, asking the company to consider taking over the service. They confirmed they were looking at the proposal.
Stagecoach announced they were taking over the service a few weeks ago. They have now published the timetable and will run the first service on Monday, 5 September at 6.25am from Sutton. Councillors Jason Zadrozny and Helen-Ann Smith will be travelling on the first service.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny said, “Once again, I’d like to thank residents for signing our petition in such numbers.
“There’s no doubt that people power saved the day. This service was critical and its complete removal would have seen whole estates like Carsic, Stanton Hill and Healdswood in Skegby without a bus service.
“Our petition was signed by numerous residents up and down the route.
“Councillors like Martin Atherton and Tina Thompson in Blidworth and Rainworth were instrumental in ensuring their residents backed the petition. Councillors in Hucknall did the same. It was a real team effort.”
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, Councillor for Stanton Hill and Teversal said, “It is a relief that due to unprecedented public pressure – the 141 will continue.
“It would have left thousands of residents without a bus service. We are really grateful to all the residents who signed up to our campaign.
“Stagecoach looked at the number of people who signed our petition. It will have been a factor in taking over this vital lifeline. I’ve had residents calling me in tears – this is such a valuable bus service.”
