Local Festivities... If You Can Get There!

As with all major towns and villages around the UK, celebrations are taking place for the Queen's Jubilee. Long Sutton, my nearest small town has a programme of events spread over the weekend which promises something for all, young and old. Sunday sees a tea party, children's games and music well into the evening and Monday hosts a display of vintage tractors, proms party and beacon lighting.

Of course it is good to see events such as these being held and I have an appreciation of the work and effort that goes into arranging them. But, I cannot help but be incensed by the lack of available public transport enabling people of this area to attend the events. I think it is ridiculous to host an event such as this with scant disregard for transportation. Many people fortunate enough to own and run a car will of course drive to the event and park in one of the three main car parks or park within walking distance of the events. But for many others, the local Call Connect bus service is their only means of transportation and they rely on this service to get them into town to visit shops, banks and the post office. The value of this service should not be underestimated though I do think that greater consideration should be given to those who need the service as much at weekends as they do during the normal week.
The weather will of course play a large part in determining the amount of people who attend and I know that the forecast for the coming two days is far from favourable. Despite this, I am convinced that by providing a bus service between the event and surrounding villages, any such numbers would be significantly increased.