Caversham Residents Rally Against Bus Service Cuts

Reading Buses is set to withdraw the number 22 between the town centre and Caversham Heights on Monday, July 20. Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading Central, organised a public meeting for residents at Highdown School after the June 26 event was postponed to July 6 because of a heat warning.

There are clashing views about what came out of the meeting. Mr Rodda says the council is still fighting for the route, while Cllr Isobel Ballsdon says residents left angry and frustrated.

Mr Rodda said: "Buses are a very important local service, and thats why I am really pleased that the council has said it is not giving up on the 22 bus service.

"This is an important step forward, and I want to thank John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for transport, for making this commitment at the public meeting.

"I would also like to thank the 140 or so residents who came to the meeting.

"I have been campaigning on this issue since Reading Buses announced that it plans to close the 22 after the service made a significant loss.

"I am also raising the problem of stiff competition from the rival X40 service, which arrives at the same bus stops as the 22 service just before the 22 bus is due to arrive.

"I understand the financial pressures faced by Reading Buses, caused by issues like rising fuel prices, which has forced it to put up ticket prices and to cut four routes, including the 22, one in Earley and one to Twyford."

Cllr Ballsdon criticised the meetings setup, saying many attendees couldnt make their views known because there were no tables or chairs for the planned break-out session.

Cllr Ballsdon said: "People were really dissatisfied that their questions were not answered. I asked whether the council would delay the end of the service, but didnt get a reply.

"It was really frustrating to not hear any meat on the bone and still be faced with the withdrawal a week before parking charges go up - if someone wants to park for an hour in the town centre, they now have to pay double, its ridiculous.

"Residents told me they were frustrated and angry; a lot were saying it was pointless, it was a fait accompli - the council has made up its mind not to stop the withdrawal of the service taking place."

Parking fare changes come into force on Monday, July 27. For example, Queens Road car parks one-hour charge of £2.30 has been replaced with a £4.60 two-hour minimum stay.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter