More than 60 people packed out a hall in Barrhead this week to discuss the next steps for a community devastated by the loss of a lifeline bus service.
The “We Need Our Bus” meeting took place yesterday (Wednesday, September 11) at Dunterlie Resource Centre and was organised by Dunterlie Action Group (DAG).
At the meeting, Neill Patton from the Corra Foundation and the group’s chair Rena McGuire BEM shared an overview of DAG’s recent survey and report on the impact on the community since the axing of the 52 circular service last year.
Those in attendance were urged to join a new steering group and get involved with their campaign to reinstate the bus and find transport solutions for the people of Dunterlie and Barrhead.
Community coordinator Neill told attendees: “Today is about getting a group together, (getting people on the) mailing list, allowing people to understand the community transport context and making things happen.
“It’s about finding out what the community wants.
“There needs to be a Barrhead wide group to take this forward as Barrhead needs better bus services.
“The action group would like as many people as possible to come forward and say they want to be part of the group and to do something about this.
“The group is also looking to do video case studies of people badly affected to highlight the affect it has had on people.
“Getting the bus back is a long term thing and it’s going to take a while, so the group also needs to think about how to help people struggling to get out and about now.”
The meeting is the latest development in a campaign led by Rena, which started back in December 2022 when a petition was launched and garnered more than 1,000 signatures from residents desperate to save the 52.
Discussions and meetings with McGill’s and local representatives followed, but unfortunately the 52 service was scrapped by McGill’s at the start of May 2023.
The bus firm stated reasons such as the pandemic resulting in changes to how and when people travel for the decision.
Among those deeply affected by the end of the service is Nan McNaughton, who attended yesterday’s meeting.
The 83-year-old, who is on oxygen and partially sighted, told the Barrhead News: “I’ve lived in this scheme for 83 years and I’ve been made to feel like a prisoner.
“I can’t go anywhere without hiring a taxi, even to visit the doctors.
“Now you need to ask everyone for help. The bus was a miracle for us.
“This is the first time I’ve felt like this. I always felt quite free and now I can’t even visit my friends up the town.
“It stopped right outside my gate. It was magic.
“Now that I really need it, the bus is off.”
Another resident, Claire McKechnie, added: “The bus was the only way to get my son who is 11 and autistic to go anywhere.
“He knew the bus and he knew the route.
“Now I can’t get him to go out anymore.
“I cant get him to go to the library and he refuses to go to the shop.
“I hate having to rely on others.
“It’s broken connections. You would see so many people and it was good for checking in on people.
“It’s destroying the community.”
Rena said she was delighted by the turnout and to see people coming from all over Barrhead and not just Dunterlie, but added that “we have so many disabled people not here today who can’t get out.”
Those in attendance also heard from Lara Henderson, a development officer from UK charity and membership organisation, the Community Transport Association.
She said that what is happening locally is unfortunately “a common story across Scotland”, but explained how the organisation can help, including with advice and support for setting up a community transport scheme.
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