Last updated 07:51, Friday, 14 November 2008

RESIDENTS in Brigham and Broughton this week raised concerns that rural areas were being forgotten when it came to public transport.

The issue was raised at the Cockermouth and District Neighbourhood Forum on Tuesday in Brigham.

The forum met to follow up requests for a community travel plan for Brigham and Greysouthen.

Members of the forum said that bus company Stagecoach was not providing adequate transport links for Brigham, Broughton Cross and Bridgefoot.

Edna Edgar, 62, chairwoman of Brigham Parish Council, said that Brigham’s infrequent bus service was making it difficult for residents to travel to Workington and Penrith.

Mrs Edgar said: “The bus services and timetables are awful. It’s as if rural areas have been forgotten.

“The X4 and X5 buses from Penrith bus station and Workington bus station bypass Brigham village during the day.

“It’s not only posing a problem for the elderly and disabled but for young people.”

Mrs Edgar added that there were no bus services in Brigham on Sundays.

Alan Clark, Allerdale area committee member for Cumbria County Council, said that issues with the bus routes would be passed on to the county council.

Mr Clark said: “Stagecoach consider themselves a business rather than a service, so the county council have to supplement some routes.

“Hopefully we can get something done about it.”

At the last forum meeting in July it was announced that £12,000 had been granted by the county council for a Brigham and Greysouthen Community Travel plan.

Ed Noble, of Capita, and Andrew Butler, of Cumbria Highways for Cumbria County Council, were working closely with Mr Clark and parish councilors to make sure the requirements of local people were met.

Mr Clark added: “We will putting the views of residents forward when considering the final stages of the travel plan.”