Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, Cllr Claire Holmes, Cllr Sean McMaster and Cllr Lyn Healing are working together to save the East Yorkshire Buses depot on Bannister Street in Withernsea following a fire in the building next door.
Ben Gilligan, Managing Director of East Yorkshire Buses, met with Graham and South East Holderness councillors and said a decision has not yet been made, but he is mindful of the impact to Withernsea of a prospective closure.
Withernsea is an important part of East Yorkshire Buses’ operations, with the X7 and the 75 two of the most used routes on the network.
Mr Gilligan is eager to stress that East Yorkshire’s preferred option is to keep the depot open, either as a depot or a Bus Park, neither of which would see services or jobs affected.
However, it’s important that the people of Withernsea keep up the pressure, so Graham has set up a petition to allow residents to show that they want to keep Withernsea at the heart of East Yorkshire’s Buses’ operations, which residents can sign at www.grahamstuart.com/SaveWithernseaBusDepot
The future of the bus depot, which employs thirty people, has been subject to rumours in the town since a tragic fire occurred at the next door property.
Mr Gilligan has worked with Withernsea Town Council on this important issue as well.
Commenting, Graham said, “Withernsea would really feel the loss of an employer like East Yorkshire buses – and I want to make sure that residents have a way to make their views known.
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“That’s why I’ve set up a petition to Save Withernsea Bus Depot, and I’m grateful to Cllr Lyn Healing for the work she’s done to bring this to my attention, and to put the views of the people of Withernsea to the fore, as she always does.
“I’m grateful to Ben Gilligan for reiterating East Yorkshire Buses’ long-standing commitment to Withernsea, and I will keep the bus company's feet to the fire about the importance of this employer to the town.
“If you care about jobs in Withernsea, sign my petition at www.grahamstuart.com/SaveWithernseaBusDepot.”
Commenting, Lyn Healing, Councillor for South East Holderness Ward, said, “It wouldn’t be fair for East Yorkshire buses to move their depot to Hull.
“Not only would it put jobs at risk, and destroy work/life balance for any drivers who did join a move to Hull, it would be a loss for Withernsea.
“I’m pleased that Graham was so quick to jump on this and put this petition out. Please sign and help us make the argument to the bus company.”
Commenting, Claire Holmes, Councillor for South East Holderness Ward, said, “Many of the drivers are local residents themselves. They go above and beyond to provide an excellent service.
“The buses are a lifeline to so many people and they look forward to seeing drivers they know and trust.
“Moving the Withernsea depot to Hull would send a very poor message that East Yorkshire buses are not willing to invest in our residents who depend on East Yorkshire buses for transport and it is poor treatment of their staff who depend on them for their livelihoods and give so much.”
Commenting, Sean McMaster, Councillor for South East Holderness Ward, said, “Our local transport links are vital. Without them, communities like Withernsea are at serious risk of becoming cut off. Our local transport networks need to remain operational in order for residents to access work, medical appointments and leisure activities.”
