Bus service cuts slammed

The cuts by Eastbourne Buses mean the last bus from Hailsham to Eastbourne will now run at 8.45pm and the last bus to Hailsham from Eastbourne at 6.40pm.

Early morning buses used by Heathfield commuters to board trains at Polegate have also been axed.

The number 51 service which used to run Mondays to Saturdays from Heathfield at 6.06am is being withdrawn and now starts at Hailsham Union Corner at 6.25am.

The 7.11pm and subsequent Monday to Saturday evening journeys from Eastbourne to Hailsham are being withdrawn.

The number 51 journey from Heathfield which used to start at 6.56am on Saturdays is also being withdrawn and will now start at Union Corner at 7.11am.

Wealden cabinet member Cllr Keith Whitehead has written to Eastbourne Buses and East Sussex County Council expressing his dismay over the changes.

He said: 'I am concerned by the changes being outlined by Eastbourne Buses.

'We strongly oppose the changes to 51 service.

'They will have detrimental impacts for people in the Hailsham,

Heathfield and Polegate area who rely on buses to travel to work or to access education and social opportunities and healthcare in Eastbourne.

'This could particularly affect young people, the disabled, and those unable to afford a car.

'People wanting to visit theatres, bars or clubs in Eastbourne may have to pay extra to travel back from their evening out or if these costs are too high may have to just stay at home.

'Given the economic and social links between Hailsham, Heathfield, Polegate and Eastbourne, better publicised and more regular bus services should be provided between the towns.

'Good public transport is also an important way of reducing congestion on the roads and reducing our environmental impacts.'

Heathfield district councillor Dick Angel told the Express: 'I regret this immensely.

'Although many commuters travelling to London from Heathfield would probably use Stonegate station, there are lots of people who do an early morning shift, say at nursing homes or businesses in the area, who will now have to get a lift or use their own cars.

'The Government says we should use public transport for journeys where possible and now this opportunity is being taken away.'

The changes will come into effect on September 30.

Steve Barnett, Eastbourne Buses managing director, said: 'It is with regret that we are being forced to consider cutting the route 51 evening services to and from Hailsham and the early morning service from Heathfield.

'Unfortunately the costs of operating continue to increase and these routes are no longer viable without financial support.

'Eastbourne Buses has been absorbing these costs for many years but we are unable to sustain this.

'In addition we are not being paid sufficient funds to cover the costs of the free fare scheme.

'We are in negotiations with East Sussex County Council to establish a solution as in an ideal world we would wish to continue with these services.'

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