I finally received a reply from my MSP Martyn Day this afternoon. He started by thanking & congratulating me for taking the initiative to campaign for a direct bus to be reinstated from Polmont to Forth Valley Royal Hospital and for highlighting the significant impact that not having such a service has on all communities across the Braes. The reason it took him so long to reply was because he needed time to respond to the high level of enquires from other Constituents while appointing his team and setting up his office. 

He also noted that I now have over 600 signatures and has read all about it via my article on the Falkirk Herald as well as recognising it as an issue affecting many people across the Falkirk District.

He has now contacted both Falkirk Council & McGill’s buses to ask what consideration is being taken to eliminate the need for passengers to change buses in Falkirk and will contact me again when a substantive reply is received.

I also received a reply from SESTrans (the statutory Regional Transport Partnership for the South East of Scotland) who are also working on improving local bus services & access to healthcare as a specific challenge. Unfortunately, they don't share petitions or campaigns as they're a statutory body but have personally wished me the best of luck.

In the meantime, please keep signing and sharing to spread the word that access to vital services must meet the needs of our communities!