Residents in Coldingham, St Abbs and Co’path have expressed their frustration at the loss of their direct bus service to Edinburgh at a meeting with Borders Buses Commercial Manager, Sharon Morrison.
The meeting was arranged by local MP John Lamont after several constituents got in touch about the loss of their bus service.
Last month, the number 253 Borders bus service from Berwick to Edinburgh stopped calling at Coldingham, going straight from Eyemouth to Ayton and Reston instead. This decision was taken after analysis showed the route has low usage from the village.
Around 25 residents from the local community turned up to voice their frustration at the loss of this bus service, pointing out that it made it difficult for those who don’t drive.
In response, Borders Buses have agreed to look in to a number of points raised, including the possibility of one journey a day from Coldingham to Edinburgh, as well as a council supported bus pilot serving local villages with connections to the 253 route.
Speaking after the meeting, John Lamont MP said: “I was pleased to be able to arrange for concerned residents to speak directly to Borders Buses about this issue.
“While I understand that bus operators have to run sustainable services, I think the meeting was useful because it highlighted the strength of feeling in the community. The loss of bus services at a time when banks, businesses and other services are also under threat is really harming our local communities.”
“I’m grateful that Sharon took the time to come and visit Berwickshire and I’m pleased that she will consider some of the useful suggestions put forward by residents, particularly the possibility of reinstating a Coldingham to Edinburgh service.”
Sharon Morrison, Borders Buses Commercial Manager added: “We are committed to delivering a sustainable bus service in the communities we serve and were only too happy to attend Monday’s meeting.
“It was a good session and a number of possibilities to increase bus usage in the area were discussed.”
