Many of you will remember that ten years ago, Stagecoach withdrew the number 65 bus service from the village. Since then, the Parish Council has made multiple efforts to have it reinstated, but to no avail.
In response, the F & E Harris Memorial Trust stepped in to run a weekly bus service to Swindon, available for free to all residents of South Marston. However, over the years, passenger numbers have declined due to the closure of many major retailers and banks in Swindon, and the service was reduced to fortnightly. On one occasion, only a single passenger used the bus!
To boost interest, the Trustees introduced Cirencester as an alternative destination every other fortnight and recently trialled a one-off coach trip to the Orbital Shopping Centre.
We are now asking South Marston residents for feedback on what kind of fortnightly bus service you would find useful and be likely to use?
Please share your thoughts with Robbie via email to robina.taylor@btinternet.com or by phone on 01793 823757.