A HIGH Wycombe MP says the planned closure of Arriva's bus depot is "deeply disappointing."

Steve Baker expressed his concerns for how children will be getting to school, as well as people attending hospital and doctor appointments.

Arriva Buses announced it was closing a number of routes, if the closure goes ahead: 

These are: 

  • X7/X8 – Aylesbury to Oxford
  • X9/X90 – Aylesbury to High Wycombe
  •  2 – High Wycombe to Booker
  • 3 – High Wycombe to Castlefield
  • 4 – High Wycombe to Lane End
  • 5/5a – High Wycombe to Bourne End
  • 6/6a – High Wycombe to Bourne End
  • 7/7a – High Wycombe to Bourne End and Maidenhead
  • 10 – High Wycombe to Downley 
  • 11 – High Wycombe to Penn
  • 12 – High Wycombe to Micklefield
  • 13 – High Wycombe to Totteridge
  • 800/850/X80 – High Wycombe to Henley on Thames and Reading
  • X9/90 – Aylesbury to High Wycombe.

Steve Baker MP said: "“I only had a meeting with a director of Arriva at the end of April, raising complaints brought to me by constituents. Arriva acknowledged its services had fallen short and were particularly acute in February and March but due to steps they had taken, services had started to improve. I am now deeply disappointed, just a few weeks on, to learn Arriva is considering pulling out of Wycombe completely. 

"Many Wycombe residents rely on buses for both business and pleasure. I am particularly concerned about how children will be getting to school, and how people will be able to attend hospital and medical appointments.

"“I am pleased Carousel has stated they will immediately provide services for the bus routes that Arriva is intending to close. Along with other Bucks MPs I’m asking for urgent meetings with both Arriva and Carousel to confirm there will be no problems with a handover of the bus routes between the two service providers.

"I will of course update my constituents following these meetings.”