Local Transport Plan

1.36.14pm GMT Thu 12th Nov 2009

Bracknell Forest Council has embarked on a public consultation exercise again to update its Local Transport Plan for the period to 2026 (Standard, 5 Nov).

Cllr Mary Ballin, executive member for planning and transport, claims the public's input into earlier plans was vital to their success but much of this seems to have been ignored and the plans themselves seem to have achieved very little.

Public transport services have continued to deteriorate and the objectives set for supporting the local economy, improving the environment, increasing public safety and promoting greater opportunity do not appear to have been met.

It would be unfair to place the blame for this failure entirely on the council because it is dependent on others to achieve many of its objectives but it is responsible for driving them forward.

Despite the partnership arrangements which exist with South West Trains and the First Bus Group, there is precious little evidence, for example, that it has been successful in improving either local bus or train services in the area. Indeed the opposite has been the case.

There are several ways in which the bus and train networks could be improved. A more enterprising bus operator would be a start but why hasn't more been done to explore the possibilty of up-grading and improving the rail links between Bracknell, Sandhurst and Crowthorne?

Residents in Little Sandhurst and those living near Crowthorne railway station already have to cope with little or no bus service and this renders any concessionary travel passes virtually useless.

I hope the new Plan will be more successful but I am not entirely optimistic!

Residents have until 23 November to put their own views to the council by completing a questionnaire that can be accessed via the council website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ltp3

Ray Earwicker

Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bracknell