North Devon MP, Selaine Saxby took the opportunity at PMQs to highlight the failure of Lib Dem run, North Devon Council to reopen Barnstaple Bus Station. She highlighted the need to support Barnstaple’s local economy through encouraging more people back into town on the bus.
The Prime Minister highlighted how important bus services are to local communities. The Government is providing Devon with £17 million worth of funding towards bus services on top of the £2 fare cap encouraging local residents to use the bus. He stated he was fully aware of the importance of this issue as the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, recently visited North Devon during Easter recess.
Local MP, Selaine Saxby said:
“Since the end of the pandemic I have urged our Lib Dem Council to reopen Barnstaple Bus Station. I have received correspondence from many residents in North Devon and beyond about the woeful situation with people waiting outside in extreme weather without any public facilities.
“I am pleased that I could raise this ongoing issue with our Prime Minister, during PMQs this week, where the Prime Minister both highlighted the work of the Government to boost bus services and called on the Lib Dems to get on and open the bus services at Barnstaple.
“I thank the Prime Minister for his support on this issue and I hope to see Barnstaple Bus Station reopen soon.”
The local council had promised to reopen the station by Easter, but these plans have been pushed back, with an opening date not yet confirmed.