Route 381

I have recently been contacted by local residents concerned about the lack of bus pick-up points around the villages - particularly in Roydon and have made representations to bus companies and local councils alike.

So it was good news today as Conservative-run Essex County Council today made a firm commitment to support local bus routes in Harlow and Epping.

Cllr Norman Hume, Cabinet Member for Highways, took the decision to spend £3.3million in 2010/11 on subsidising local bus routes, which will include route 381 between Harlow and Roydon. Commercial companies have previously refused to run the routes, as they won't make enough profit on them.

Cllr Hume's said:

"Local buses are one of the frontline services that ECC has pledged to support. Robert Halfon has explained just how important a local service the 381 bus is for Roydon, and I was pleased to announce the £3.3million today".

These are difficult economic times, but I am grateful to Cllr Hume for sticking to his guns. The 381 bus is a lifeline for rural communities around Harlow and Epping, and I am delighted that local Conservatives and our own County Councillors have rallied to protect it.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Who says romance is dead? Not on the buses it isn't!

Here is a nice Bank Holiday Story for you!

I was at a Staple Tye community party on Saturday evening, in St James Church Hall, organised by local Conservatives. I met a couple madly in love, Vera and Paul (see picture). What is so lovely about their story is that they met on the bus - literally. Paul is a Bus driver for Arriva in Harlow, and Vera is a regular passenger. The romance started with Vera chatting to Paul on the bus and moved on to cups of tea and then some true romancing. Now a day never goes by, without Paul and Vera being together.

Vera, although a senior pensioner, is as fit as a fiddle, and often goes out delivering leaflets and for long walks. I hope that when I reach their mature age, I will not only be as sprightly, but will be as romantic as well! Now where is Vanda........

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com