Bus cuts spark fury

The last bus journey from Hailsham to Eastbourne used to be the number 51 leaving at 10.11pm.

It will now be the number 52, leaving at 8.45pm.

And the last bus from Eastbourne to Hailsham used to be number 51 leaving at 11pm.

It will now be number 54 leaving at 6.40pm.

Mayor Nick Ellwood is meeting the Eastbourne Buses managing director to protest.

He said: 'It is detrimental for Hailsham and the surrounding areas.

'It will affect people on late-night work shift patterns and youngsters.

'I want them to change their mind.

'Having bus services cut is outrageous.'

Cllr Ellwood had been contacted by one person forced to find another job because of the new timetable.

Karen Crozier, from the Hailsham Trust, said: 'I think it's very sad,

especially for workers in Hailsham who live in Eastbourne.

'It will also affect people going out socialising who often catch a bus.

'It will limit what people can do in Hailsham.'

Ken McCready, manager of Hailsham Town FC, said the changes could cause a lot of problems for the club.

He said: 'It will definitely affect our club and it's going to affect our supporters.

'Not all our players drive and some of the under 18 squad come from Eastbourne.

'We should be given support but they are going about the right way to kill the club.'

Wealden district councillor Keith Whitehead has sent a letter to East Sussex County Council and Eastbourne Buses.

He said: 'This will have detrimental impacts for people who rely on buses.

'This could particularly affect young people, the disabled, and those unable to afford a car.'

Steve Barnett, Eastbourne Buses managing director, said spiralling costs led to the changes.

He added: 'It is with regret that we are being forced to consider cutting the route 51 evening services to and from Hailsham.

'This route is no longer viable without financial support.

'In addition we are not being paid sufficient funds to cover the costs of the free fare scheme.

'We are in negotiations with the county council to establish a solution as in an ideal world we would wish to continue with these services.'

The changes come into effect on September 30.

Early morning bus services to Polegate are also to be amended, affecting commuters.

See http://www.eastbournebuses.co.uk or phone 01323 416416 for further details.

What do you think of the timetable changes?