The community on the Exeter Estate in Corby is facing significant challenges due to the lack of accessible public transportation. Time and again, I hear from residents who struggle because the nearest bus stops are too far, making daily life particularly difficult for our elderly, disabled individuals, and families who do not have access to a car.

Statistically, one in three people on the Exeter Estate do not own a car. This places a heavy reliance on public transportation that currently does not adequately serve our needs. With only five bus services a day, the arteries of our community often feel blocked, inhibiting mobility and limiting access to employment, healthcare, and essential services. The lack of frequent and accessible bus routes exacerbates social isolation and makes it all the more difficult for residents in one of Corby's most deprived areas to improve their quality of life.

Our goal is to have the Corby number 5 bus divert through Exeter with at least one stop and to increase the service frequency to at least one bus an hour. This change will significantly enhance accessibility to major areas, providing a lifeline to many community members. An improved bus schedule means better access to opportunities, enabling residents to participate fully in educational, social, and economic activities within and beyond our immediate environment.

Concrete data from the National Travel Survey shows that access to reliable public transportation is crucial for improving social mobility and economic independence. Providing a more frequent and accessible bus service aligns with national goals to improve public service transport across rural and underserved communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

We call on the local council and relevant transportation authorities to recognise the pressing need for improved bus services for Exeter Estate and the Old Village. By updating the current bus routes and schedules, we can better support our community, proving that public transportation can be an equitable resource for all.

Please join us in advocating for this necessary change. Sign this petition to show our councillors and the bus companies that we stand united in our need for better public transportation options. Your signature might just be the spark that ignites this much-needed change in our community.