West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called on First Buses to rethink proposed closures of services across the county. The bus company has announced the reduction of services for people in Malvern, Pershore and Upton-upon-Severn including the withdrawal of a direct service between Malvern and Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The changes were announced on the company’s website and Harriett has written to First Bus Midlands managing director Nigel Eggleton asking for an urgent update on its proposed closure plan. Harriett commented: “This is extremely disappointing news for local people who rely on regular bus services – especially those who live in more rural areas. “The news about the withdrawal of the service to the hospital is particularly concerning. By its very definition people who need to travel the hospital may have greater need because they are elderly or infirm and forcing people to make difficult diversions is definitely putting profit before customer service. “I think we need to understand why the bus company has taken this decision and work with key stakeholders including the county and district council to see what steps we can take to protect these services. “I have always said that people need to use bus services or risk losing them – I want to see the data underpinning this decision and understand what the local bus company is doing to offer the best possible services for our rural communities.”