By DAVID COULTER dcoulter@cngroup.co.uk

Published at 07:38, Wednesday, 06 March 2013

CHOLLERTON’S threatened bus service is likely to survive the axe – but will be much amended.

Northumberland County Council representatives claimed this week that they were looking at making major changes to the Howard Snaith’s operated 882 Hexham to Colwell service to encourage more people to use it.

Currently the service is significantly underused with only one or two passengers on some journeys.

Early suggestions to improve the situation included a change of timetable and a different route, while a taxi drop-off scheme will also be considered.

A public meeting was called to discuss plans to withdraw the bus following a 102-strong petition.

A survey will now be distributed to each household in the parish to gauge exactly what local people realistically want from their local transport.

After similar schemes proved popular in neighbouring Acomb and Humshaugh, a transfer needs survey will be sent out by Chollerton Parish Council with collection points to be set up for submitted forms.

County councillor for Chollerton, Coun. Edward Heslop, said: “The first thing I did when it was announced the service was under threat was try to contact the people that use the bus and, sadly, I only got five responses.

“Nobody here disputes the fact that the bus isn’t greatly used but we want to know how it could be better used.

“We are trying to avoid 20 or 30 people airing their personal views here, because the best way to record everybody’s views and needs is through this survey.”

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk