DEAR Editor – This a copy of a letter sent to Councillor Alan Amos at Worcestershire County Council’s Highways and Transport department a few weeks ago.

“Dear Councillor Amos,

I am writing to you in your capacity as Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport to enquire as to the council’s post-lockdown plan to enhance and improve the woeful public transport network in Worcester which is not

fit for purpose.

I am fully aware that West Midlands Rail is one of the worst rail services in the country and that our road system suffers from ‘serious congestion’ (Worcestershire Passenger Transport Strategy 2019) but, in this instance, I would like to focus on the bus service.

As one of the ‘17 per cent of residents who does not have access to my own transport’ (Worcestershire Passenger Transport Strategy 2019), I am at the mercy of the inadequate bus service that runs within the city.

I have not researched all cities in the UK, but I would be surprised if there is another city that does not deliver a functional bus service on a Sunday or after 7pm.

The service would be bad if it were in a village or a town but in a city that is supposed to serve its residents, university students, and tourists, it is incomprehensible.

As it states in the council’s own strategy, a ‘functional and multi-modal network is essential to ensure residents can participate in society and enjoy a good quality of life’ which we do not have.

In addition, none of the council’s five objectives in the Local Transport Plan 4 are nowhere near being met by current services.

I would therefore be grateful if you could advice how and when the council will intervene to create a service worthy of a modern city and to allow non-car drivers to move about the city after 7pm and on Sundays.

I look forward to receiving your reply in the very near future.”

Sheridan Woodbine

Worcester