Village bus service victim of district council cuts

Up until now, the service has been paid for by West Berkshire Council, but it is set to withdraw its funding as part of its plans to cut £3m from frontline services.
This means that parishes will have to pick up the cost of running the service, which in East Ilsley’s case amounts to £925, more than five per cent of its current precept.
The service runs on Mondays and Thursdays from West Ilsley to The Oracle shopping centre, Reading, calling at a number of villages along the way, including Compton, Pangbourne and Theale.
During a meeting of East Ilsley parish council, councillor Andrew Sharp said: “It could be the death of the number 74. It is sad but unfortunately we have been left with no other choice.
“We are being hit from all angles - we are not being given the £490 we got last year for council tax support and are expected to pick up the cost of these services on top of that.
“I suggest that we write to West Berkshire Council to tell them what a disgrace it is that we have been forced to make this decision.”