After it was revealed that a key transport route in The Harebreaks in Watford would be closed, assurances have been made by councillors that a planned new bus service will mean no travel coverage will be lost.
News came earlier this year that Arriva’s number 8 bus route from Abbots Langley to Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood via North Watford would stop on April 17. This is one of many changes to timetables the company is currently implementing.
Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) said multiple residents had been in touch with him about the issue, stating: “I was shocked by this news and like those residents I wanted to keep our buses!”
Following a meeting on February 18, the council have agreed that services in The Harebreaks and Leggatts Way are maintained and are now tendering for a new service that will ensure there is no loss of coverage.
The recent route changes made by Arriva has caused controversy across the county, with Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor recently writing to HCC Leader Richard Roberts raising concerns.
He stated: “A number of residents have been in touch with me because they are worried about the future of bus services in Watford. Lots of people rely on buses to get around and are worried that cuts to services may make life much more difficult.
“The County Council must make sure that we have good reliable, local buses services that residents can depend upon.”
Picture credit Kevin Raeburn
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