RESIDENTS of Middlewich have been left outraged after a bus service running through the town was changed after 10 years of success and is now causing problems for passengers.


The 42 service from Crewe to Congleton via Middlewich was run by D&G for 10 years and was changed to GHA coaches in October.


Several residents have voiced their concerns and say they are left puzzled at why the service was changed in the first palce.


Jacqueline Moulton, from Moss Drive in Middlewich, said: “Since the changeover the buses are all either running late, don’t turn up, or doesn’t follow the route it’s supposed to follow.


“I am disabled and I was forced to stand waiting for the bus for two hours because it just didn’t turn up.


“We only have two bus services in Middlewich and they can’t even get them two right.


“There was a 90-year-old lady who I know and she gets the bus every week to go to her friends for dinner. Her bus didn’t turn up and she can’t use a phone so she had to walk home in the dark and torrential rain.


“All we want is a reliable bus service; it’s not much to ask for.”


GHA coaches have responded to complaints by saying they are experiencing teething problems but are confident the issues will be ironed out.


Stephen Bryce, general manager at GHA, said: “GHA Coaches operate service 42 under contract to Cheshire East Council and we started operating the route from October 27.

 

"Although we were aware of some teething problems during the first week I believe operations have now calmed down and in the second week we only received one complaint.

 

"There have been several roadwork’s along the route which have caused diversions and this will add to the passenger perception that we are going the wrong way.

 

"Our company has recently ordered three brand new buses for the 42 service which will low floor access, the latest engine emission limits, leather seats, laminate flooring and free Wi-Fi for passengers, and these vehicles form part of a larger order costing £1.7M for 13 brand new vehicles for services within Cheshire East.”

 

Despite the response from GHA, some residents are still unhappy with the extent of the ‘teething problems’.


Clr Mike Parsons, ward member for Middlewich at Cheshire East, said: “D&G have built it into the excellent service it become over the long time they had it , so If something is working you don’t change it.


“If a brain surgeon needed time to learn what to do, what would happen? It’s the same with anything you have to go through training - it’s no excuse.


“I used to be a bus driver and you just learn by going around the route with other drivers first.


“The D&G drivers were absolutely brilliant they would go out of their way to make their passengers get the service they wanted, but now we see Cheshire East going for the cheaper option.


“What is more important, money or the people who the service is for?”