 Leader of Darlington Borough Council, John Williams has finally given into pressure and decided to reinstate pre-9.30am bus travel for pensioners and other concessionary users.
The original decision by the Labour Leader of Darlington Council, John Williams to scrap pre-9.30am bus travel was reckless and had a significant adverse affect on some of the most vulnerible people in our town.
When petitions were gathered and sent to John Williams back in February, clearly demonstrating the strength of feeling against the scrapping of the free pre-9.30 travel for pensioners, we genuinely thought John might see sense and reconsider the decision. Sadly this was somewhat unrealistically optimistic on our part! (Northern Echo article)
When we wrote to John in March to ask him to reconsider his decision to scrap early morning travel, he categorically stated that "the policy will not be changed" (Northern Echo article). Worse yet, he would not even revisit this important issue in cabinet.
When we contacted John again in April to bring to his attention some of the adverse effects his decision had upon local charities, he once again refused to reconsider the decision (Northern Echo article).
Clearly though, ahead of the protest which had apparently been organised for next week, John finally relented and has decided to do the right thing.
The "listening council"? We think not.
*** Bus Pass Campaign Related links ***
Bus Fares to Rise
Bus Pass U-Turn?
Bus Pass update
Bus Pass scrapping affects charities
Council Leader John Williams says "No"!
Petition to save early bus passes
Gill's Blog regarding Bus Pass fiasco - Email the Prime Minister!
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