Poor bus links to town just not fare
THE SORRY state of transport links to Edenbridge have been laid bare by a carer who is facing a whopping £3,600 annual bill to get to work.
Jean Blythe, 47, lives just nine miles from the job she loves at Stangrove Lodge, where she cares for vulnerable elderly residents.
The arduous journey from her home in Biggin Hill has already forced her to leave her job once, but she missed it so much she is now returning, despite the cost to get there.
Mrs Blythe will have to spend between £250 and £300 per month on a complicated commute.
She will catch two separate buses in the morning and will need to pay for a taxi between Edenbridge and Westerham on her way home.
Mrs Blythe said: "It's a nightmare. It's because of the buses that go to Edenbridge and back – they start at something like 9.57am and the last one is at something like 4.57pm.
"It's a lovely place to work but they expect everyone to come from their doorstep, it's silly."
To accommodate her the home has offered tailored shifts and she will be using taxis to avoid the three-hour trek she used to endure to get back to Biggin Hill via East Croydon and Addington on a mix of buses, trams and trains.
But in a fresh twist, the key worker fears she will again be forced out of her job if cuts are made to transport.
County councillor Peter Lake is worried about possible cuts to service in Edenbridge and will tell County Hall colleagues to "back me or sack me" in his campaign against reductions in any routes.
Cllr Lake has particular concern for buses serving the villages around Edenbridge. He said: "Kent County Council is not going to have as much money to put towards these services.
"I think we are going to find villages will have no bus services at all and they need the services to get to the shops and to the new hospital in Pembury.
"I am highly protective of these services. I went straight to the leader of the council and said we need our bus routes."
Edenbridge Town Council chairman Terri Scanes said: "Suddenly people have got cars so they do not use all the routes all the time.
"It does make people vulnerable out in the villages, like those who can't drive."
County council spokesman Phil Scrivener said new contracts were due to start in April and no services are expected to be scrapped.
He added: "The county council is keen to see improved local bus services, particularly between towns. We are consulting locally and would welcome residents' views."
Anyone wanting to get involved can email transport.policy@kent.gov.uk or write to the integrated strategy and planning division, Kent County Council, Invicta House, Maidstone ME14 1XX.
Do you think bus services in the Edenbridge area are inadequate? Let us know at www.thisiskent.co.uk/edenbridge
4 Comments
by Roman Court, Edenbridge
Thursday, February 18 2010, 10:59AM
“Some of us who live at Roman Court a retirement block for pensioners cannot get about as we would like as we haven't the means of transport. No bus at all to Tonbridge, Biggin Hill or Orpington. Very poor services to Westerham & other places, both outward & return as time & destination is limited & the times do not always coincide well.
It would be a great help if there was a small bus, say at least once an hour during the day to such places as Stangrove lodge & Edenbridge High Street. This is done in other places why not here as well.”
by Gwen, Edenbridge
Tuesday, February 16 2010, 1:27PM
“The transport links to Edenbridge are a disaster. Unless you have a car you are pretty much stranded. Something needs to be done about this to make it a more attractive location to live.”
by Collette, Ashford
Tuesday, February 16 2010, 10:00AM
“This country's bus infrastructure is badly funded, managed and has a lack of inititive. Something needs to be done. Now there is free local passes, but no buses for them. The buses are dirty, have rubbish chucked on the floors and seats, rude drivers and passengers and late and cancelled buses like the cancelled 72 in the Folkestone area. Disgraceful, but typical of Governments and people who have luxury of cars and wish to pollute the planet”
by Hard working single mum, West Kingsdown
Sunday, February 14 2010, 11:36AM
“You have my sympathy Edenbridge! I have the same problem in West Kingdown. No buses early mornings and afternoons they are used for school pickups. Then every 2 hours! I work in Sevenoaks and the buses only go to Swanley or Borough Green. My son goes to college in Tonbridge costing me a fare penny each week in bus and train fares for him. Beacause I work I cant claim any bus pass or train passes for him.Yet again Im punished for working! If I stayed on the dole and claimed benefits it would all be free!”