Calls for bus services to be restored

Stagecoach's route 51 runs between Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells via Hailsham and Heathfield

Calls to reinstate a half-hourly bus service between Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells are to be considered by East Sussex County Council.

On Monday, Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport, will hear from campaigners who oppose changes made to the 51 service earlier this year.

Stagecoach reduced the service, which also stops in Hailsham and Heathfield, in March from half-hourly to hourly, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Stagecoach said: "We have made sure timetable changes accommodate peak time journeys, meaning that work and school connections are still available."

Student Erin Wigham launched the petition in early March, calling on the council to intervene and prevent the change from moving ahead.

Campaigners argue that the bus route is a cheaper and accessible way to travel, particularly for elderly, disabled and people who do not drive.

Officers have recommended the petitions request is rejected.

The report says Stagecoach runs the service at a "financial loss" even with the move to an hourly timetable.

Officers said the council would be required to provide further subsidies in order to maintain a half-hourly service and it would have to reduce support elsewhere.

The report reads: "Whilst a higher frequency is more desirable, the current hourly frequency is still running at a loss of hundreds of thousands of pounds a year."

Further changes to the service are due to come into effect.

A spokesman for Stagecoach said: "We recognise that there are still issues with punctuality on this service, even after the service changes in March, due to the level of congestion on the Eastbourne network."