Fears For Future Of Harborough’s Subsidised Bus Services

There are fears some Harborough bus services could stop running as part of plans by Leicestershire County Council to save millions of pounds.

The authority has warned its financial outlook is ‘dire’ and ahead of budget proposals being made public next week, some details have been shared with councillors.

Cuts could be made to bus services subsidised by the authority, which include the number 33 town service in Market Harborough and route 44, which links the town with Foxton and Fleckney.

Councillor Simon Galton, who represents the north of the Harborough district, spoke to HFM:

Rising inflation, global events and the continued impact of Covid means the council’s costs are increasing at an unprecedented rate and in September it revealed it is set to see a budget gap of £28m next year, which could rise to £140m by 2026.

Other area which could see cuts include gritting, school crossing patrols, libraries, day centres and a halt to major roads schemes.

The Council say full proposals will be released next week ahead of consultation with the public.