West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called on local people to speak up for their bus services after meeting a delegation of people from Malvern retirement homes. The group asked to meet Harriett following a series of changes to local bus services which have meant that some residents are no longer able to get out and about. Many residents reported that they have sold their cars as part of the move into retirement properties and entirely rely on public transport to get to the shops or to enjoy leisure activities. Worcestershire County Council is carrying out a full review of the way it subsidises public transport and a number of consultation exercises are due to be carried out in the coming months. Harriett commented: “I am grateful for those people who took the time to come and see me and talk about the challenges they face getting out an about in Malvern and further afield. “Developers who build retirement villages and extra care housing blocks usually try to ensure they are very near to good bus stops to help keep their residents mobile but these plans can be thwarted if the routes are subsequently amended or abandoned. “I have reported back to the group that there is a major consultation process about to start and I will be encouraging as many local people as possible to have their say. “I hope that the local county councillors will take the time to listen to these strongly held views and take into account our increasing, elderly population and their specific needs.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP (centre) and District Councillor David Watkins (far right) meeting with a delegation of local residents at Elgar Lodge in Malvern Link.