Results from Paul Howell MP’s recent survey with residents of the Trimdons indicates the lack of bus services severely restricts their life chances. Residents have said that they have had to turn down employment or education opportunities and had difficulties attending medical appointments as transport connections to get them there just don’t exist.
After many discussions with residents in the Trimdons, regarding the 2 April removal of the 57/57A Durham to Hartlepool route, the MP prepared a survey and has contacted many households in the TS29 area that covered the Trimdon villages which includes Trimdon Village, Trimdon Grange, Trimdon Station (Deaf Hill) and Trimdon Colliery. The survey prompted a huge response from hundreds of constituents which has helped Paul and his team collate data to quantify those concerns and provide feedback to Durham County Council and bus service operators.
Paul Howell MP said: “I again wish to thank all the constituents who have responded to this survey. From the results and follow up discussions with residents in the Trimdons, it’s plain to see the problems with reliability of bus services continues to limit life chances - including access to education, employment, medical appointments, retail and leisure services and keeping in touch with family and friends.
“I also understand that other towns and villages, for example, Ferryhill and West Cornforth have been impacted by unreliable bus services and wider issues around public transport across the Sedgefield constituency. I will continue to talk with the Transport Minister and North West Durham MP Richard Holden, Durham County Council and other local and national organisations to seek solutions to address these problems. I will share more details about the opportunities and initiatives to improve local transport services as soon as possible.”
The results of the survey have been collated and have been shared with the County Council - and are available below in the document provided.