The effects of the West Walsall, Wolverhampton Bus Review became a reality on Monday. There has been a great deal of positive comment from the Short Heath and New Invention area of Willenhall. Many have commented on the new express service to Birmingham. The X31 ARRIVA service seems to have all the hallmarks of success.

Improved links to New Cross Hospital and Wolverhampton have received a cautious welcome but, as with any change, there have been those who have ended up losing out. In particular residents along the Ashmore Lake Road, Lucknow Road, Coppice Lane, Cannock Road have seen their 15 minute service reduced to one bus every half  hour between Willenhall and Walsall. To make matters worse the very same residents have lost their links to GP’s in Coppice Farm Way, New Invention and to Sainsbury’s at Reedswood as well as employment areas along the A34.

As local councillors we have little or no power over where and when busses run. Since deregulation in the mid 1980′s, bus services have been operated by private companies, they can do virtually what they like and there is nothing elected representatives can do about it other than lobby on behalf of bus users.

And that is exactly what Liberal Democrat councillors representing Short Heath and Willenhall North intend to do. “My colleagues Doreen Shires, Dan Barker, John Cook and Val Woodruff have contacted Centro making them aware of the deep unrest and anger being expressed by many at being deprived of previous links to GP’s, shops and employment” said Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Shires.

If you are a bus user living in the Willenhall area and have been adversely affect by the recent changes we need to hear from you. Help us to help you send your comments to Willenhall Liberal Democrats via the comments button above.