The bus service through Devauden is under threat and could be withdrawn as soon as the end of July.  Act now to save the 65.

According to press reports Monmouthshire County Council have proposed to withdraw the bus service that connects Devauden, Itton, Trellech and Llanishen to Chepstow and Monmouth.   A final assessment will be made before a decision is reached but there does not appear to have been any consultation with the local communities. The cut has been described as a “budget saving measure”.

The low numbers of passengers using the route suggest the service "may not be the most profitable venture" and our Member of Parliament has said that "it will come down to numbers". Those attempts to justify the withdrawal of the service ignore the social impact that the loss of a local bus service is known to have. The implications for rural communities like ours can be huge. It can cut people off from jobs and education, damage local shops and businesses, afect the physical health and mental well-being of those who rely on the service.

Many residents rely on the 65 bus service as their only affordable means of transport to and from Devauden and if the bus service is withdrawn then it will have a devastating impact on their quality of life. The loss of our bus service will have implications for many of us but elderly members of our community, in particular, will be disadvantaged by this proposal. Young people, especially sixth form students, will also lose out.

County Councillor Dimitri Batrouni opposes the plans and has called for the bus service to be retained. He commented "Devauden should not have its bus service withdrawn. It is a life-line for many people who do not have access to a car. Withdrawing this service effectively means some residents will be trapped, unable to get to supermarkets or other day to day services. We must retain a bus service for the well-being of local residents."

If you share our concerns about the effect this proposal will have on our community then please raise the issue with Devauden's County Councillor, Bob Greenland. His contact details are:

Phone: 01291 650231

Mobile: 07500 951778

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.