The timetable for a bus service which was saved after thousands protested against its loss has been announced. On Monday, September 5, Stagecoach will officially take over the 141 Nottingham to Sutton-in-Ashfield bus service from Trentbarton.
This comes after a campaign to save the 141 bus was supported by 3,643 residents. Trentbarton had scrapped the service, explaining it had been struggling since the pandemic.
They had previously reduced its services in the evening but, due to the services not carrying sufficient customers, then decided to withdraw the route altogether from September. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, who launched the petition and suggested Stagecoach took over the service, labelled the continuation of the route a "victory for people power”.
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The full timetable has now been published and is identical to the previous one as requested by councillors, serving Nottingham City Hospital and King's Mill Hospital. The first service will run on Monday, September 5, at 6.25am from Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, of the Ashfield Independents, added the service was "critical". “Once again, I’d like to thank residents for signing our petition in such numbers. There’s no doubt that people power saved the day. This service was critical and its complete removal would have seen whole estates like Carsic, Stanton Hill and Healdswood in Skegby without a bus service," cllr Zadrozny said.
"Our petition was signed by numerous residents up and down the route. Councillors like Martin Atherton and Tina Thompson in Blidworth and Rainworth were instrumental in ensuring their residents backed the petition. Councillors in Hucknall did the same. It was a real team effort.”
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, deputy leader of the district council, who represents Stanton Hill and Teversal for the Ashfield Independents, said: “It is a relief that, due to unprecedented public pressure, the 141 will continue. It would have left thousands of residents without a bus service.
"We are really grateful to all the residents who signed up to our campaign. Stagecoach looked at the number of people who signed our petition. It will have been a factor in taking over this vital lifeline. I’ve had residents calling me in tears – this is such a valuable bus service.” Nottinghamshire Live contacted Stagecoach for comment.
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