I have been contacted by a number of constituents following the announcement of the ending of the X74 service through Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Filton. They have told me that they find the X74 a very useful service connecting this part of Bristol with major employment areas like Abbey Wood, UWE and the city centre. It also connects to SGS College in Filton, and shopping centres like the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke and the Abbey Wood Shopping Park. They were particularly disappointed at the lack of notice and publicity that was given before it was withdrawn.
As local member of parliament, I have been in touch with the managing director of First Bus in Bristol, James Freeman, and officers at South Gloucestershire Council to get more background to the issue. I have also been working with town and district councillors to look at ways of restoring a similar service. One possibility is to ask for employers and retail parks on the route to provide some assistance that will make the service more attractive. South Gloucestershire Council and the bus company could mount a major publicity campaign to help ensure the future of any such strategy. I have also requested a meeting with James Freeman to discuss ways that the service can be restored.
I have used the X74 service regularly, so I can vouch for its usefulness to residents. I will do everything I can to find a replacement for it.
Jack Lopresti
Member of Parliament for Filton and Bradley Stoke
Photo: An X74 bus waits at the Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke.
This letter originally appeared in the October 2016 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
