Residents in Throop Village have renewed their campaign for a reinstated bus service, supported by Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes.
The local route was withdrawn in 2018, leaving villagers without any form of public transport. Many residents, including elderly people living in Roi Mar park homes, have struggled to reach shops, healthcare, and social activities since its removal.
Campaigners Pauline Clark and Julie-Anne Houldey met with Mr Hayes earlier this year to explain the challenges faced by residents. In response, he convened a public meeting on 23 October at Muscliff Primary School, attended by representatives from MoreBus and BCP Council.
Pauline Clark told the meeting that the issue was “not just about a bus service—it’s about freedom.” She said the nearest operational bus stop is more than half a mile away, which is not manageable for many.
Julie-Anne Houldey from the Throop Village Conservation Group said residents are asking for at least a limited, regular service connecting the village to nearby routes. She added that the community is grateful for Mr Hayes’s support and hopes a solution can be found to reduce social isolation.
More than nine hundred people have now signed a petition calling for the return of the Throop bus, with campaigners hopeful that ongoing discussions between the MP, the council and MoreBus will lead to positive news.
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