Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

In the scheme of things, Hilperton has escaped any major cuts.

Hilperton is set to lose one bus service in the 2011 cuts.

I attended a presentation yesterday outlining bus cuts in Wiltshire and explaining the rationale behind them. Out of interest, the increased car parking charges that are proposed for the county go towards subsidising the county bus services.

We were told that this is not a 'consultation' exercise but is 'Notification of proposed reductions to contracted bus services attracting feedback'!! It is important to note that cuts are only being made if a service is not commercially viable to the operator (i.e. it loses money) and WC subsidises it.

I will start with the worst news -

X88. Withdrawal of the Wednesday and Saturday shopper bus. Reason; non-essential service - passengers can still travel to Bath by changing at Trowbridge. Date of withdrawal probably September 2011.

49 (Trans Wilts Express). Withdrawal of the Trowbridge - Devizes part of the service after 7.00pm. Reason; low usage. Date of withdrawal probably September 2011.

There will also be changes to the 264 service between Trowbridge and Warminster (frequency reduced to an hourly service) and the 265 between Trowbridge and Bath (reduction to two hourly service after 7.00pm Monday to Saturday and withdrawal after 7.00pm on Sunday). Reason; evening/Sunday service classed as low priority. Date of change for both probably July 2011.