‘Unthinkable’ cuts to public transport loom

Cllr Andy Botham says Derbyshire County Council is considering withdrawing £2.5m from subsidised bus services, as well as cutting grants to community transport by £1,460,000.

The cuts, which would both be introduced in the next two years, are part of the authority’s bid to slash spending by £157m by 2018.

Cllr Botham, deputy cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport, said: “We’re having to think the unthinkable.

“We do not want to make these unrelenting cuts...but we have been left with no choice and some very difficult decisions will have to be made.”

The council is asking people to give their opinion before proposals are introduced at www.derbyshire.gov/supportedbuses.