Dear Sir,
Most people in the area will be aware that as from December 2012 the Number 16 bus service will stop running from Darlington to Newton Aycliffe. This will affect many people, young and old, living in Heighington, School Aycliffe, the Chestnuts and Newton Aycliffe. From my own local perspective, people living in the Parish of Heighington and nearby School Aycliffe will have difficulty accessing medical treatment from Bewick Crescent surgery, visiting the local supermarket or simply meeting up with friends. Despite many meetings with consultants, Council Officers, Head Teachers and bus companies there seems to be no support to help identify a sustainable solution to the problem.
So it is time to change direction and look at ways that we can help ourselves and one simple but effective solution is to organise a fleet of voluntary drivers to help sort out the problem once and for all. I anticipate that drivers will give their time free of charge but a mileage payment will be made by the passenger to cover the running costs of the car. The time given towards the scheme will be deliberately kept to a minimum – the more drivers we have the less time will be needed for each volunteer.
I am planning to organise a meeting in early October to discuss the feasibility of running a Community Bus Service, if you are interested in supporting the idea why not join the ten volunteers who have already expressed their willingness to help.
In the first instance either telephone me on 314622 or email on gerald.lee@darlington.gov.uk
Councillor Gerald G. Lee
Heighington and Coniscliffe Ward
