I doubt is was arranged, but the Greens and LibDems did a lovely stitch up job on Labour over the cuts to the Orbital Bus Route around Norwich. Green Party Councillor Janet Bearman (Town Close) laid down a straightforward question to Labour Executive Member Brian Morrey about the representations made by Norwich City Council to Norfolk County Council over the reduced service. Cllr Morrey, normally one of Labour’s most dependable performers, seemed to waffle a bit and get slightly tongue-tied. Then LibDem Judith Lubbock (Eaton) saw her chance and went for the jugular. Normally Cllr Lubbock’s attacks are blunted by her long winded and rather superior tone. But not this time. She got the attack perfectly timed and savaged Cllr Morrey for failing to put the interests of the City first. Oh dear. Cllr Morrey floundered, spluttered and finally admitted … no representations at all.
A good issue, a good point and bought up in the right way.
Well done Cllrs Bearman and Lubbock, though I can feel the “Focus” leaflet being written from afar…
2 comments:
The Obital Bus Service was essentially a Social Transport route. It had not economic viability with passenger numbers in single digits. It was a wacky transport idea that failed. Brian Morrey might be excused for no follow up on this embarassing white elephant which will be booted into Orbit. Political opportunitism on Lubbock's part. The real question that should have been asked, why was the money wasted in the first place on an orbital when another park and ride route into the city, or peak hour double services might have spent the money better and more sustainably. On Monday morning at 8.30 it is amazing to see two First busses jam packed with people standing citybound, and then see a Obital bus turn up behind, only 2 seated passengers and 90% empty.
Firstly the orbital offers a servise that nothing else does, thats why it should be fought for.
Secondly where is the normal council report?
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