Unreliable public transport in rural Northumberland
Emma Foody MP for Cramlington and Killingworth has raised the issue of unreliable local transport in Northumberland in a House of Commons debate, following her recent conversation with a constituent.
Speaking during a debate on Public Services in Rural Areas called by David Smith MP for North Northumberland, Emma Foody MP stated “as a fellow MP that covers part of Northumberland, we know all too well the impact we have seen on public services in recent years.”
“A recent case subject which a constituent got in touch with me about, was a Mum in New Hartley. She was sharing how the unreliability and inconsistency of the local bus service means that her son is often late for school.”
“Does he agree with me that it is unacceptable for children to miss out on their education, as a consequence of poor public services being delivered in rural areas?”
David Smith MP responded “I couldn’t agree more. I’m going to come on to talk about bus services. But it’s especially challenging in counties like our own in Northumberland, and I certainly find that with regard to students in my constituency struggling to get to school.”
Following the debate, Emma Foody MP commented “Public services in rural areas are a lifeline but too often they are inconsistent and unreliable. We must ensure that rural areas receive the public services they deserve and need, including public transport.”