LOCAL LIB DEMS AGAINST BUS CUTS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 12th Jun 2009

Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council have reacted to the news that FirstBus intend to make cuts to local bus services that would see the service reduced by 3%. Cllr Ian Auckland, Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for Sustainable Transport and Streetscene, said: "I'm bitterly disappointed that FirstBus have registered these cuts to local bus services. We are completely opposed to these cuts and we call on FirstBus to see sense and drop them immediately."

"We have said all along that we would be happy to talk to FirstBus about an agreement on the basis of what local people want. That's no cuts to local services and no fare increases. I'm disappointed that FirstBus have chosen to walk away from this offer. We are now working with the PTE to see what can be done to try and plug the gaps if FirstBus go ahead with these cuts."

"Regular bus users know exactly where FirstBuses priorities lay, they are only interested in making a profit. This is yet further evidence of the need for urgent action to give Council control over local bus services and we are doing everything within our power to make that happen. Despite over a decade in power, the Labour Government have failed to reverse the disastrous bus privatisation of the Tories."