DOCTORS say plans to scrap a new bus service to the Frome Health Park and reduce the regularity of an existing one as "a disgrace".
With the opening of the new medical centre in Enos Way at the end of 2012 it was anticipated that the bus company First would be looking at increasing the bus service to the health park by changing the route of the Bath 267 service. Currently the 161/162 service also operates an hourly service to the health centre and the hospital.
However, the Frome Medical Practice which operates from the health centre has been told that the new service is not going to happen and the existing one is to be reduced to a two-hourly service.
Senior partner of the practice Dr Tina Merry said: "This is a disgrace."
"Many of the patients for both the community hospital and the medical centre are reliant on public transport. They have no other means of getting here. The health park was specifically built with ample access for buses with both a turning area and lay-by.
"Indeed, before we even submitted our planning application we discussed the issue at length with both First and local councillors."
She said that both staff and patients were encouraged to leave their cars at home where at all possible.
With 1,200 patients, relatives and visitors at the centre each day, many relying on public transport Dr Merry describes the decision as "not acceptable" and the partners will be lobbying Frome Town Council and Somerset County Council.
A petition is also available at the reception desk to patients to sign urging First to re-think its proposals.
This week First confirmed changes are being made to the local bus services it provides from July 28.
A company spokesperson said: "Service 267 will see its timetable change but the route will remain the same. Part of the process of reviewing the service we did look at the possibility of changing this to call at the health park but on closer inspection we found we were unable to do that at this time."
This will remain under review. In the meantime First has confirmed the frequency of the Service 161 will be reduced.
