Cobb Bus Campaign Delight
Sunday, November 16th, 2008
Local trader Matt signs Franny Allen
The number 71 Town Bus is set to go to the Historic Cobb in Lyme Regis before Christmas, campaigners were delighted to hear. Members of Lyme Town Council first raised this issue 3 years ago and received many excuses, but it seems that a petition signed by 300 residents and local traders, organized by local Liberal Democrats has made a real difference. They were also supported by articles and pictures in the Bridport and Lyme News.
Franny Allen a Lyme resident and Lib Dem activist said, “When I organized the petition this summer I was overwhelmed by the level of support. Cobb traders and residents said they had not been asked their views before. The Cobb is quite cut off from the town and staff working there, plus residents and tourists, all told me they would find a regular bus down the very steep Cobb hill a real boon.”
The petition supported by a letter setting out the views of local people was presented to the Town Council in August by Franny Allen and Ann Sargant, Chair of Lyme Regis and Marshwood Vale Lib Dems. It was also sent to First Bus Company and Dorset County Council. It is expected that the number 71 Town Bus will link the Cobb with the town for all its regular timetabled runs. Laura Noel, Branch Secretary, said “This is a victory for community action. Getting to the Cobb by bus rather than by car is great for the environment and much more affordable for local people living and working in this historic area.”
