Community bus service closure sparks fears of isolation for elderly and vulnerable in Banbury and Brackley
The closure of a community bus service providing transport for elderly and vulnerable residents has raised fears that rural communities could become further isolated.
ABILITY Bus Service announced that it would be closing on April 13, after eight years of serving the community.
The service was started in 2018 by Lynn and Nigel Hinch with the aim of connecting people living in isolated rural areas to nearby towns for appointments, shopping or socialising following the closure of several local bus services.
After eight years, the service had expanded to cover 62 parishes across North Oxfordshire, West Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes and had over 1,210 members registered.
Unlike regular bus services, ABILITY operates on flexible routes, dropping off and picking up customers closer to their homes, or at the shops or appointments they need to be at.
The team at ABILITY has cited reduced reimbursement rates from local councils, uncertainty around future council grant funding and an increase in employer National Insurance contributions as reasons for the closure.
They also say that the loss of their office and parking facilities, as well as rising costs for vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance, have affected their decision.
A spokesperson for ABILITY said: “This has been a very difficult decision. We are incredibly proud of the service we have provided and the role our buses have played in helping people stay connected, whether travelling to the shops, appointments, or visiting family and friends.
“We understand that this news will come as a shock and may be worrying for many people who rely on our services.
“This is a very emotional time for our staff, who have worked so hard over the years to provide a friendly and reliable service. We kindly ask everyone to continue showing them the same kindness and respect that has always meant so much to us.
“To everyone who has travelled with us and supported us, thank you. It has been a genuine privilege to serve this community, and we will always be proud of what we have achieved together.”
The closure of the service has caused fears that some elderly residents living in the area will now no longer be able to enjoy the independence and social life they previously had.
One family member of an ABILITY Bus Service user in Banbury posted on social media: “This service has been a lifeline for my 91-year-old mum, who can no longer drive due to severe arthritis.
"Because of her mobility issues, she can’t manage to get to the normal bus stop and wouldn’t be able to carry/push a loaded shopping trolley from the bus stop back to home.
“She feels depressed knowing that this essential link to the outside is going to stop.”
MP for South Northamptonshire, Sarah Bool, has requested an urgent meeting with Martin Henry, the chief executive of West Northamptonshire Council, to discuss whether actions can be taken by the council to ensure the service can remain open in Northamptonshire.
She said: “For many residents, particularly older and vulnerable people, this service is the only way to access healthcare, shops and stay connected to their community. “I am pressing the council for answers and pushing for a solution to ensure these services continue. Our rural communities cannot be left isolated.”