Newtown residents voice concern over bus services

Newtown residents have expressed significant reservations about proposed changes to local bus services, with opposition outweighing support by more than two to one in a recent county-wide consultation.

The results of a six-week consultation on bus timetable changes across Powys reveal that Newtown residents are amongst the most sceptical about the proposed alterations. Of the 51 responses from the Newtown area, only 15 residents supported the changes whilst 36 opposed them - representing a 70% rejection rate.

This level of opposition places Newtown amongst the most resistant communities in Powys, with only Welshpool and Montgomery (68% opposition) and Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth (71% opposition) showing similar levels of concern.

The consultation, which ran from 2nd January to 13th February, sought residents' views on significant modifications to bus services that could fundamentally alter how Newtown connects to the wider region. The changes are part of a county-wide review that must be finalised by 4th July to take effect from 1st September.

Currently, Powys County Council spends £5.442 million annually on local bus services, but this figure doesn't include the extended operational hours or Sunday services proposed in new contracts.

Council officers have prepared two scenarios for cabinet consideration. Option A would focus on longer-distance services connecting hub towns like Newtown to larger cities where residents access healthcare, education and services unavailable locally. This comprehensive approach would require an additional £2.354 million annually until 2031, plus £1.752 million in one-off funding.

Option B maintains the existing network with minimal changes, adding only nine extra school contracts and retendering the T14 route. This would cost an extra £1.498 million annually until 2031, with £375,000 in one-off funding.

The consultation results suggest Newtown residents' concerns mirror broader worries about bus accessibility and quality. Across Powys, ticket prices don't appear to be the primary deterrent, with 481 respondents saying fares don't prevent them from using buses, compared to just 92 who cited cost as a barrier.

However, infrastructure concerns are more prominent. When asked about timetable displays and information at stops, 234 respondents found them unsatisfactory compared to 205 who deemed them adequate. Bus shelter conditions fared better, with 341 residents satisfied versus 227 dissatisfied.

The data reveals that 419 people currently use local buses, with shopping being the most common journey purpose (256 responses), followed by leisure travel (268), healthcare appointments (153), work commutes (102), and education (62).

Powys County Council's Economy, Residents and Communities scrutiny committee will review the consultation findings at their meeting on Friday, 18th June. The results will inform cabinet discussions on which option to pursue, with the tight July deadline emphasising the urgency of the decision.

For Newtown residents, the outcome could significantly impact daily life, particularly for those who rely on public transport for essential services, healthcare appointments, and connections to employment opportunities in larger towns and cities.

The strong opposition from Newtown suggests residents may have concerns about service frequency, route coverage, or the potential impact on existing services they depend upon. As the council weighs up the financial implications against community needs, the voice of Newtown's residents will be crucial in shaping the final decision.

The full consultation results will be presented to councillors this Friday, with further public consultation expected before final proposals are implemented in September.

News source Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporting Service adn edited by MyNewtown