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'IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE DON’T ISOLATE COMMUNITIES, OLDER PEOPLE, AND NON-DRIVERS' 15:27, 02 Jun 2025 Livingston’s MP has signed a petition calling for the reintroduction of a bus

service in a community he says is “completely cut off” for those who don’t drive. Gregor Poynton MP added his name to the Livingston Village Community Council’s public transport petition,

supporting calls to bring back a service route to the area. The Courier reported back in March this year that around 50 local people had gathered in protest at a bus stop in Livingston

Village that hadn’t seen a bus arrive for a year. Local people revealed how they were finding it difficult to get to the hospital and the local GP surgery next to it. The town centre is even

further away. READ MORE: Livingston residents stage bus stop protest Getting to and from Livingston Village to other parts of the community is proving difficult unless residents drive or

can afford to use taxis. The removal of bus services to Bathgate and Livingston shopping centres also made it difficult for residents to shop in person. Residents said they face 10 and 12

minute walks to catch the next-nearest bus services, but, for people with reduced mobility these walk times increase to over 25 minutes to reach bus stops, which are up to and over 800

metres away. Article continues below One frustrated resident said: “There is a bookable bus service for elderly and disabled locals, but it is organised for every Tuesday at 9.30am with a

return journey at 11.30am. READ MORE: Over 12,000 children supported through Scottish Child Payment by families in West Lothian “The 9.30am start can make it difficult for people that have

carers that may arrive later than expected. It only gives one opportunity a week to go out of the house to do a weekly shop or visit someone. “What the village really needs is to bring back

our buses.” Gregor Poynton MP also recently met with Lothian Buses to raise these concerns on behalf of the community. READ MORE: Award for popular postmaster who's been serving

community in Livingston for 30 years He suggested a bus be re-routed at least hourly to give residents in Livingston Village the opportunity to access public transport. He said: “It is

important that we don’t isolate communities, older people, and non-drivers. “Having no viable means of transport leads to social isolation, and limited or no access to doctors, jobs, or even

the shops. “I support the community’s calls for a service route — it’s vital that we bring communities together, not keep them separated.” Article continues below DON'T MISS THE LATEST

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