Local MSP Comments on Gardenstown Bus Service

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has written to Stagecoach Bluebird and Aberdeenshire Council over the threat to remove a local bus service from part of a Banffshire village.

Stagecoach have started a three-month trial using a different turning area in Gardenstown following difficulties caused by illegally parked cars at the usual turning stance.  However, there is concern in the community that if the trial is deemed unsuccessful, the bus service will terminate at the village petrol station.  This would leave residents in the Seatown area with a considerable walk up the Gamrie Braes.  Gardenstown is famous for its long, winding descent to the village harbour.

Commenting, Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“Clearly, any withdrawal of the current bus service from the lower part of Gardenstown will have a huge impact on the village and the service users.

“Public transport should be run for the convenience of those who use it and those whom the bus company would wish to attract.  I have raised the matter with both Stagecoach Bluebird and Aberdeenshire Council.

“Obviously, there is a three-month trial ongoing at present and if that works well then that should be an end to the matter.  However, if the bus company deem the trial to be a failure then there has to be a Plan B.  The council subsidise the bus service and if the present operator cannot or will not provide the required service then they should step aside, refund their public subsidy and allow another bus operator to take over.”