Paul Bristow, the new Conservative Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, today (04/06/25) refused to promise protection for the number 27 bus between Peterborough and Stamford via Wittering, Wansford, Castor and Ailsworth – hinting that cuts could soon be on the way.
In response to a public question from Sam Carling, Labour MP for North West Cambridgeshire, the Mayor said that there were currently “no plans” to cut the service, but failed to rule them out, and failed to so again when pressed in a follow-up question.
Carling’s question, asked at today’s Combined Authority Board meeting, had asked Bristow to “reassure my constituents by promising not to cut or reduce this service over his time in office” due to how “residents have saved hundreds of pounds in transport costs thanks to the service, and it is helping to reduce social isolation by providing a reliable route for more elderly residents (as well as young people and other non-drivers) to get into town.”
Carling responded to Bristow’s answer by highlighting how refusing to rule out cuts – even if he claims there are no immediate plans to bring them in – means that he is ensuring he leaves the door open to cutting this service in the future.
Speaking after the meeting, Sam Carling, Member of Parliament for North West Cambridgeshire, said:
“The number 27 bus between Stamford and Peterborough is a lifeline for so many of my constituents in Wittering, Wansford, Castor and Ailsworth. So many people – from young people to the elderly and non-drivers of all ages – rely on it to stay connected, get into town, and get to work.
“Tireless work by the local bus campaign group enabled the previous Labour Mayor and Deputy Mayor to reinstate this service. We need our new Mayor to come clean to residents and firmly pledge not to cut this hard-won service, because residents are worried.
“I will shortly be launching a petition to show Mayor Bristow how much public support there is for this bus route, and urge him to change course by ruling out cuts.”
