Millbrook residents slam bus service cuts

Residents say that the elderly and disabled have been disadvantaged by the move.

Community association member Angela Houston told the Times: “There used to be four buses a day, then that was cut to three and now there is only one bus into town at 9.30am and none back up into Millbrook.

“There are buses from Belfast or Ballyclare but they only leave you off at the roundabout whereas the busy bus used to go around the estate.

“It is difficult for those who are elderly and young mums with prams who rely on the service.

“Some people are having to pay for taxis, which are expensive. People in Millbrook have been left forgotten and isolated.”

There are also concerns over the safety of children attending Larne and Inver Primary School due to the lack of a separate, direct bus servi ce from the estate to the school.

Mum Shirley McCalmont said that she and other parents are being forced to spend large amounts of money on taxis to ensure their youngsters’ safety.

“The buses take the children to the bus station but they are too young to cross the busy road from the bus station and go up to Larne and Inver on their own,” she explained.

A Translink spokesperson said:“A mini bus service operates from Millbrook Estate to Larne town centre every morning, departing Larne bus station at 09.20.

“Ulsterbus services no longer operate into Millbrook due to lack of sufficient road space, however the 154, 153 and 130 services operate at regular frequency via the nearby Millbrook Park and Ride site.

“Pupils from Millbrook attending Larne and Inver Primary School can travel on Ulsterbus Service 156 which operates via the Park and Ride at around 08.20 and terminates at Larne bus station, close to the Primary School.

The public meeting, organised by East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons, will take place in Millbrook Community Centre at 5.30pm on February 11.