‘Victory’ for community with launch of new bus service
Local politicians are claiming victory for Angus communities with the launch this week of a new bus service.
The new community service launched in Monifieth and Muirdrum on Monday as part of a partnership between Angus Council and Stagecoach South Scotland.
It follows Stagecoach’s recent decision to change and remove some local routes, leaving no connections to the Monifieth Medical Practice at Ashludie and fewer buses for Muirdrum.
Since then Angus South SNP MSP Lloyd Melville and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry SNP MP Lara Bird have worked with partners to secure a new service for the area. At the end of September, Mr Melville hosted a public meeting in Monifieth, which was attended by around 150 people who voiced their concerns about the route changes. Earlier this month, the MSP and MP brought together Stagecoach, Angus Council and community representatives to look at potential solutions.
The new fixed-route service will be initially free to use and has been developed in response to feedback from local residents, community representatives and elected members.
It will enable people to connect to Ashludie, including the GP, from Monifieth High Street and Ethiebeaton Park, as well as deliver better connections for people in Muirdrum to access Carnoustie.
The service will operate on weekdays from the morning school run period until approximately 6.30pm. In a joint statement, Mr Melville and Ms Bird said: “This is a victory for the local community. People in Monifieth and Muirdrum made their voices heard, and we took those concerns directly to Stagecoach and Angus Council. Had the community not turned out in such numbers, we could not have made the case as strongly as we did. We’re grateful to everyone who worked with us to find a positive solution.”
Fiona Doherty, managing director of Stagecoach South Scotland, said: “We are always willing to listen and take on board feedback. We know how important reliable, well-connected bus services are to people across Angus, whether they are travelling to work, education, shopping or simply staying connected with friends and family. We are delighted to work with the team at Angus Council to help find a viable solution for all.”