Everyone who uses the bus in Overseal and Netherseal, myself included, knows that it is a vital part of our village’s life. This bus service connects us to essential destinations like Burton Hospital, offering a direct link to healthcare that many in our community rely on. It takes us to Burton train station, connecting us further afield for work or to visit family. For everyday needs, the bus journeys to Swadlincote allow us to attend eye tests and do food shopping, actions that are more than just routine tasks but rather lifelines to our wellbeing and independence.

The Diamond Bus East Midlands' proposal to change the 19 Service threatens to sever these essential connections. For many in Overseal and Netherseal, including the elderly, disabled, and those without cars, the bus service is the only feasible means of mobility. Eliminating or altering these crucial routes will isolate vulnerable populations, increase our community’s carbon footprint by pushing more individuals to depend on cars, and strain budgets already under pressure from cost-of-living increases.

Statistics consistently show the benefits of a robust public transport system: it reduces traffic congestion, promotes environmental sustainability, and is vital for economic equality. The removal or alteration of the 19 Service contradicts these proven advantages, depriving us of public transport's broader benefits. Villages like ours depend on these services. By continuing the 19 Service, Diamond Bus can demonstrate their commitment to the communities they serve, standing behind their customers to maintain these indispensable connections.

We urge Diamond Bus East Midlands to recognize the critical role of the 19 Service and to maintain its current routes. This service is more than just a bus line; it is a lifeline for many in our villages. Please join us in this effort to preserve the current 19 Service. Sign this petition and let your voice be heard to save our community's access to these indispensable services.