KEETCH SUPPORTS CALL FOR LOCAL BUS SERVICE

7.47.33pm GMT Mon 24th Oct 2005

Paul Keetch, Hereford's MP, met 13 year old Scott Badham who is heading a campaign for a bus service to be reinstated to the Victoria Park area of the city where he lives.

Mr Keetch said, "I was delighted to meet Scott and am extremely impressed with the work he has done to get the signatures to his petition. When we hear so much criticism of young people today it's refreshing to hear about a teenager trying to help his community.

"I'm glad that Herefordshire Council and the local bus company are taking his campaign seriously. I support it 100%. If a new bus route to serve the College Road/Victoria Park area cannot be organised, then perhaps an extension to an existing service could be planned. There can be no excuses, such as the estate not being bus friendly, because this area has had a service in the past. Scott and other young people, elderly persons and those without their own transport need this public transport and it may encourage those with cars to leave them at home and use the bus service instead.

"A way could be found - the local Council and bus operators should find it," Mr Keetch added.

ENDS