Review blamed for bus cuts

A bus company which intends to axe a vital service linking Cannock to Wolverhampton has said its hand was forced by the Government's spending review.

Arriva, which runs the 68 and 69 services which run from Cannock to Wolverhampton, via Essington, has given notice that it intends to axe the service on February 26.

Keith Myatt, a spokesman for Arriva, said their share of government money will likely be reduced by £3million this year.

He said: "A spending review for the years 2011/12 through to 2014/15 was announced by the coalition government in the October 2010.

"The review was driven by a desire to reduce government spending in order to cut the budget deficit.

"The review will lead to an £81 billion cut in public spending in the remaining four years of the parliament, with average departmental cuts of 19 per cent.

"As part of the cut in public spending, local authorities have informed all bus operators there will be a reduction in concessionary fare reimbursements from April 2011.

"Arriva Midlands has estimated their share will be reduced by nearly £3 million this year.

"The company has, therefore, undertaken a comprehensive review of its network and has announced changes to several local bus services in its operating area following discussions with local authorities.

"It has operated services 68 and 69 (Cannock - Wolverhampton) since the withdrawal of similar services by another operator.

"However, with the reduction in concessionary fare reimbursements, it will be impossible to sustain these services commercially."