I moved to the Saxon Park development in Biddenham during the summer of 2023, and was pleased by the prospect of a nearby bus stop on Deep Spinney. However, my excitement quickly turned to frustration when I discovered that there were very limited buses into Bedford - a mere 10-minute drive away. The Northampton 41 service runs every two hours and does not accommodate anyone working regular hours in Bedford. It also often operates around 20 minutes late. Worse still, there are no bus services at all on Sundays.

This lack of reliable public transportation has forced me into precarious situations such as cycling through heavy rain and high winds or paying an exorbitant £8.40 each way for taxis. This is not just about convenience; it's about safety, affordability, and sustainability.

Biddenham is home to over 3,000 residents, many of whom will be experiencing similar difficulties due to this inadequate public transport system. A regular and reliable bus service would greatly improve our quality of life by providing safe and affordable transportation options.

The recent new housing areas of Saxon Park, Biddenham Park and St Mary's have added more residents to the area with no change to amenities or infrastructure. In fact, the St Mary's development does not even have a bus service at all. Biddenham has no shop, and the nearest food shops are a 25 minute walk away in Fairhill. Many homes in the new developments are designated social housing and affordable housing, and not every household has access to a car. 

We call upon local authorities in Bedford Borough Council to address this issue urgently by helping to implement a regular and reliable bus service for Biddenham residents. Please sign this petition if you believe in better public transport services for our community.