LABOUR councillor Alan Humphries is demanding better transport links for Droitwich.
The Droitwich Spa town councillor has lambasted Worcestershire County Council for failing to hold transport providers, such as West Midlands Railways, to account. He said their incompetency before the pandemic led to unsafe travelling conditions for many residents.
Coun Humphries believes people move to Droitwich because it is a conveniently located commuter town for the major employment hubs of Birmingham, Worcester and Hereford.
But he says the reality of the situation will disappoint those who move there.
“We have only one bus, the 144, to Birmingham and Worcester and none to Hereford,” he said.
“Often the buses do not even materialise, thus the train service to all three centres is vital.
“While there are more train services, the quality is appalling, and fares are set to rise again.
“Before the pandemic trains were continually cancelled, late or with too few carriages leading to chronic and unsafe overcrowding.”
The Labour candiate for Droitwich East in the forthcoming County Council elections added that elected representatives should be robustly challenging West Midlands Railways and First Bus demanding answers and ensuring accountability.
“If I was elected I would demand a series of public meetings with stakeholders to develop plans to improve services and ensure public safety,” he said.
“The people of Droitwich, both new and long standing, deserve better services and to be better informed and involved.”
The Standard has contacted Worcestershire County Council for comment.
