Agenda item

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The Transport and General Manager of West Norfolk Community Transport gave a presentation on the services they provide.

The Chair thanked the Transport and General Manager of West Norfolk Community Transport and invited questions and comments from the Committee.

Councillor Heneghan sought clarification on services to the northern area of the Borough and if later services had been considered. The Transport and General Manager clarified the furthest service, WNCT provided was to Castle Rising. She explained to the Committee Norfolk County Councill (NCC) would only subsidise one Transport organisation therefore they were unable to provide a service in the northern area. She explained in response to later services provided they need to ensure the number of passengers using this service was sufficient to run the service.

Councillor Kemp referred to the 3H medical bus service provided and commented she was concerned about the future of this bus service as the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding was only for two years. She referred to St James Medical Centre and that buses did not run at convenient times for residents going to the doctors. She added further the bus from Nar Ouse Way was not practical for elder residents and suggested Wisbech Road as an alternative bus stop.

The Transport and General Manager confirmed the targets for the first year had been met for the 3H bus service however there was steep curve to match for the second-year targets. She added the health hub at Nar Ouse Way had an impact as this was not open yet as expected. She explained increasing the southern route had been considered. She added a bus stop could not be used on Wisbech Road as there was funding from NCC for a different bus company.

In response to Councillor Collop’s question, the Transport and General Manager confirmed there was a gap in the bus schedule during school collection times otherwise the buses were every 30 minutes.

Councillor Rust asked if there was anything Members could do to assist with putting cross town services in place.

The Transport and General Manager explained to the Committee, a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) application had been rejected for a cross town service. She added Parish Councillors and Queen Elizabeth Hospital had been consulted for different ways of funding. She explained further the Wootton and Reffley area had a high volume of people working at the Hospital so a direct link would be considered.

Under Standing Order 34, on Zoom, Councillor Colwell asked if future routes had been considered such as a bus service for the outskirts of King’s Lynn and offered his assistance as a County Councillor for NCC BSIP funding. He questioned how BSIP funding was being spent.

The Transport and General Manager confirmed a bus service for the outskirts of King’s Lynn had been tried but on a smaller scale but was rejected as services already existed.

In response to Councillor Osborne, under Standing Order 34, the Transport and General Manager outlined the current issues with housing developments including WNCT not being able to gain access when the first stages are complete therefore once the site was completed, residents had already formed habits with using their cars. She added transport companies needed to be included in the consultation as part of the Planning application.  

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The Charity Manager gave a presentation on the Charitable aspect of West Norfolk Community Transport.

The Chair thanked the Charity Manager for the presentation and invited questions and comments from the Committee.

In response to a question from Councillor Collop the Charity Manager confirmed Group trips were within Norfolk and the number of people was dependent on needing room for trolleys or wheelchairs. She explained during the school holidays, more vehicles were available to be used for trips.

In response to a question from Councillor Rust on D1 Licences the Charity Manager explained it could cost up to £2,600 and staff members were volunteers of a certain age range which meant this was a lot to invest in staff members which were not guaranteed.

Councillor Heneghan asked if there was anything Members could do to help WNCT and the Charity Manager confirmed they could promote and advertise WNCT. She added Members could provide reassurance to families that elderly people could live in their home longer with WNCT services.

Councillor Heneghan and Councillor Ware asked for the Charity Manager to provide links, leaflets and further details to help advertised and promote WNCT services.

Under Standing Order 34, on Zoom, Councillor Colwell sought clarification, if there was an exemption in place for D1 licences to be funded for voluntary services.

The Charity Manager confirmed they had communicated with the Community Transport Association, but voluntary work was ad-hoc. She explained the importance of the same volunteers being used for D1 vehicles and passengers with learning disabilities.