Uproar over Stagecoach bus changes in the Dearne Valley

Stagecoach Yorkshire will introduce the “biggest changes to bus services in the Dearne Valley for almost 20 years” on July 20.

Managing director Paul Lynch said the changes to routes and frequency aimed to increase the use of public transport, improve services and make them better value for money.

One of the changes will see the 229 service in Wath replaced with a new 228 service travelling along Sandygate instead of Burman Road.

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey said the new route would worsen traffic congestion on Sandygate.

He added: “There are lots of older people living off Burman Road and some of them are simply unable to walk as far as the bus stop on Sandygate.

“Buses are a lifeline for them. This change will make it a lot more difficult for people getting around and it is important we let Stagecoach know the level of concern.”

In Bolton-on-Dearne, bus users are angry that parts of the village and sections of nearby Goldthorpe, will be left without a direct service to Doncaster after the 224 was also axed.

One resident said: “This is just another example of Bolton and Goldthorpe being forgotten.”

A spokesman for Stagecoach said that a month-long consultation was held in February, and added: “The consultation gave us the opportunity to shape the network for the benefit of the ever-increasing numbers of people who work, live and shop in the Dearne Valley.”

For more information visit www.stagecoachbus.com/yorkshire or contact 01226 202555.

Read the full story and much more in Thursday’s FREE copy of the Dearne Valley Weekender.