Dunfermline: Stagecoach bus cuts to strand Parkneuk residents as number 81 is cancelled

That's the view of one resident who says that without the Stagecoach number 81 service, she and her neighbours will be unable to access public transport.

The pensioner, who did not want to be named, told the Press that those who live in the area, many of whom are elderly or disabled, would need to walk more than a mile to the nearest bus stop if the changes are made.

"If the bus is taken off then we will be completely stuck," she said.

"It's not fair – what about the people up here?

"It might not be a crowded area but the service is needed, I can understand everything about costs, but surely they can't cut us off like that."

She wants the number 4 bus, which goes to Blairhall, and will now provide cover for the removal of the 6 and 6A from Saline to Dunfermline, to make a short detour to include their closest stop.

"In the evening, that bus comes up here," she explained.

"I have never needed it at that time but I wonder why they can't do that during the day.

"A lot of us are elderly, one of my neighbours has a walking stick and works – I can't help but think she will never walk up that road.

"I don't think I have ever been the only one to get that bus."

A spokesperson for Stagecoach East Scotland commented: "Following our proposed changes, the current route would still be covered by alternative services, except for the bus stops on Parkneuk Road.

"The consultation is closed now, however, discussions with Fife Council are ongoing with regard to options for serving the stops on Parkneuk Road. We will confirm in due course any changes that have been made to our original proposals."

Councillor Auxi Barrera, who had been approached by the resident, said that several people in the area had been in touch to find out what could be done.

"Parkneuk is a very long road, people would have to go up to the main road just to get the bus and if they are not fit and when the winter comes, it will be harder," she said.

"Another who came to me works three jobs, and with the Stagecoach plans she will not have a bus to get to any.

"It is very inconvenient for everyone, especially with the crisis we are in, fuel prices are dropping, but they are still high, people will need to choose.

"I don't think it is the right move at the moment to cut services."

Though there had been confusion over who was responsible for the reduction in buses, Cllr Barrera insisted that Fife Council had no say in the plans and there was little that could be done due to Stagecoach being a private business.

The Press reported last week that four West Fife councillors had received "limited reassurances and commitments" on proposals.

Labour councillors Graeme Downie, Cara Hilton, Gordon Pryde and Andrew Verrecchia welcomed a pledge to save some services following a meeting with Stagecoach East representatives, however, expressed concern that cuts will still take place around the Kingdom.

They have now called on the Scottish Government to help maintain vital transport infrastructure and not leave it to those seeking to make profit primarily.