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Anger over Leeds bus service cuts
BUS company chiefs have been branded "despicable" over their decision to axe a Leeds village's bus service.
More than 200 residents packed into Scholes Village Hall to vent their anger at First's decision to scrap services from the village to Leeds city centre.
Company bosses were also accused of being 'high minded' after failing to send a representative to the public meeting to hear villagers' deep concerns.
Elderly residents, workers and those in need of regular access to the city's major hospitals told the meeting, chaired by parish councillor George Hall, how the decision would have devastating effects.
A proposal by one elderly resident that people in the villages should refuse to pay part of their council tax in protest to the plans was met with huge applause.
First are proposing to scrap the 68 and 68A services and have sent out a survey which, if approved, would see them replaced with a modification of route 64. Although the route would connect Scholes to Leeds, bus users would not have access to their sister village, Barwick-in-Elmet.
They would also not be able to get Seacroft Green Shopping Centre, which allows villagers to use other bus services to get across West Yorkshire.
Local councillor Alec Shelbrooke told the meeting: "I am appalled by the way First have treated the residents of Scholes, the residents of Leeds and the residents of Yorkshire. This bus company is already making a 17 per cent profit compared to a national average of 10 per cent, yet they say those services are an economic drain."
He added: "First have behaved despicably. They are treating us with contempt. Their woolly words, where they say they will consult with communities, cuts no ice whatsoever."
Coun Shelbrooke said he had been in touch with a rival bus company to look at the prospect of running a service. The meeting was also told that the changes would mean residents aged in their 80s and 90s would face a mile-long walk just to get to the bus stop.
Two representatives from public transport co-ordinator Metro were also at the meeting.
Residents voted unanimously in favour that their main priority was to maintain a service link to Seacroft. Scholes Community Forum will inform First of the decision.
Read about the bus services crisis in Friday's YEP
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
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Wind direction: South east
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