Public Transport (Lancashire)

Petitions – in the House of Commons at 11:57 pm on 20 July 2009.

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Photo of Janet Anderson Janet Anderson Labour, Rossendale and Darwen 11:57, 20 July 2009

Rossendale Transport is the local authority-owned bus company that serves the Rossendale valley in my constituency and many of the surrounding areas. The local authority, Rossendale borough council, is now considering whether to sell off the company. This has met widespread opposition in the local area, and particularly in my constituency, from all those who rely on the services of Rossendale Transport. I am therefore pleased to have this opportunity to present the petition of the customers of Rossendale Transport in my constituency. It states:

The Petition of the customers of Rossendale Transport,

Declares that the announcement by Rossendale Borough Council, that they plan "to test the market to ascertain the interest in Rossendale Transport Ltd" with a view to a possible sale of the company, is against the wishes of the thousands of people who have signed this Petition; notes that Rossendale Transport is one of the few local authority-owned bus companies which makes a profit; believes that if such a sale were to proceed, it could seriously jeopardise public transport services in the Rossendale Valley which are essential to those without access to a car, particularly the young and the elderly; and further declares that up to 200 jobs could be put at risk.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take any necessary action to prevent Rossendale Borough Council from selling off Rossendale Transport.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000398]