It has been labelled “an extremely valuable service”.
Now the fight is on to try and save the Free Town bus service in Huddersfield, which is used by hundreds every day.
The bus faces the axe after Kirklees Council said it was likely to cut a subsidy as part of a huge cost-cutting exercise.
The bus links key parts of the town centre inclduing the bus station, the Market hall, the University and the railway station.
Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership, who work with local businesses and the community to support the development, vibrancy and vitality of the town is behind the campaign and has launched its fight against the proposed discontinuation of the Free Town Bus.
The Partnership wants the council to consider all alternatives surrounding this proposed cut rather than axing a service that has been an extremely valuable service to the community.
The Save our Free Town Bus (SOFT Bus) campaign was launched by Partnership manager Karen Hobson who said “The Partnership is very aware of and appreciates the current financial constraints that the council faces moving forward and hard decisions that will need to be made.
“However, we are baffled to hear that Kirklees Council are considering ceasing the free town centre bus service due to budgetary cuts”.
Partnership chair, Vanessa Scrimshaw said “The Partnership played a key role in initiating this bus service and is highly concerned by the detrimental impact that would inevitably be created if this service was axed and will prove to be a false economy.
“The free town bus service has been an extremely valuable service to the community and has provided added value to the town. It has undeniably aided with footfall in the town centre particularly concerning elderly residents by providing a safe and accessible method to shop in town, thus contributing to the local economy”.
One of the main aspects of the campaign will involve organising a petition in which the Partnership aims to secure more than 1000 signatures.
