The six-week consultation for residents to highlight the key bus services and cycling and walking routes in East Cambridgeshire has been extended due to coronavirus.

The original consultation deadline of 19^th April has been extended to 31^st May to provide more opportunity for residents to respond during this period where we are being advised to stay at home.

The aim of the consultation which began on 9^th March, is to identify routes that residents would like to see delivered, or where improvements could be made.  

Building on the success of the Ely Zipper service, the council is looking to identify bus routes that can, over time, attract sufficient ridership to make them viable, and to present a business case to the Combined Authority as it makes decisions about the future of bus services across the county.

Residents are now being urged to complete the survey online by visiting the East Cambridgeshire District Council website so that they can undertake social distancing but still be a part of the consultation.

Printed questionnaires that have been placed in one of the public drop boxes will be collated once it is safe to do so.

Those who have completed printed versions of the questionnaires but have yet to send them are encouraged to hold onto them until restrictions are lifted or if they can, complete the questionnaire online.

Councillor David Brown, chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Finance and Assets Committee, said:

“We have had a good initial response to the consultation; however the pandemic is sure to have an effect on participation in this consultation.  We want to provide everyone with ample opportunity to have their say despite the extraordinary circumstances we are in, which is why we have taken the decision to extend the deadline.”

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“The current situation meant that we potentially wouldn’t be able to obtain the views of all the groups that we’d like to hear from.

“It is essential that we consider the views of a cross section of our residents, so that informed decisions can be made.

“We need to develop a comprehensive bus, cycling and walking strategy so that we can more effectively bid for funding as money becomes available.

 “I call on everyone to have their say now that the deadline has been extended by completing the questionnaire online where possible to help inform our plan.”

The consultation closes on 31^st May 2020. To find out more about the consultation visit the Bus, Cycle, Walk page.