Bus service loss – response from Connor Naismith, MP.

Roger Millns, Chair of ADCA (Audlem and District Community Action) wrote to Connor Naismith (MP for Crewe and Nantwich) to ask for support in trying to get Cheshire East to reinstate the local bus service.
Roger received this helpful and positive response

Dear Roger,

Thank you for writing to me on behalf of Audlem & District Community Action (ADCA) regarding the withdrawal of the local bus service between Nantwich and Audlem. I fully understand your concerns and frustration, particularly with the impact this has on elderly and isolated residents who rely on this service for essential activities such as shopping, healthcare appointments, and social interaction. Please also accept my sincere apologies for not responding to you sooner.

I share your concerns about the lack of prior consultation with the community. The sudden loss of this vital service is clearly having a detrimental effect on the daily lives of many people in Audlem and the surrounding rural areas, as well as on Nantwich residents who use the bus for leisure and access to your village.

While strict parliamentary procedures prevent me from directly responding to residents who live outside of the Crewe and Nantwich constituency, this issue will inevitably affect many of my constituents in Nantwich. As a result, I have written to Cheshire East Council and D&G Buses to raise concerns about their lack of consultation and the significant impact this has had on local residents.

In the meantime, I would also like to highlight the Go – Too bus service offered by Cheshire East Council. It is an on-demand service that allows residents in rural areas to book transport to key locations such as Nantwich, Crewe, and surrounding villages. Although this may not fully replace the lost bus service, it could be a useful interim option for those who need transport. You can find more information and book the service here: Go-too or by calling their booking line on 0300 123 5103 from 9 AM -5 PM, Monday to Friday.

I share your view that waiting until April 2025 to consider reinstating the service is unacceptable. Reliable public transport is vital to rural communities, and I am committed to advocating for the restoration of this essential service.

Thank you again for bringing this matter to my attention, and for the work that ADCA continues to do in supporting the local community.

Yours Sincerely,

Connor Naismith
Member of Parliament
Crewe and Nantwich