Senior citizens call for bus service to shopping centre

BACCHUS Marsh resident Sylvia Merry has been calling for a bus service to Woodgrove shopping centre in Melton for more than 18 months to no avail.

Ms Merry said that many older Bacchus Marsh residents are finding it increasingly difficult to access vital items with many shops closing within the town.

“With more shops closing in the Village at Bacchus Marsh it is getting harder for senior members of our community to

purchase much-needed clothing apparel, and electrical goods for the home,” she said.

“At present the closest for such items is Melton but not all seniors have cars to travel there.

“I feel there is a need for a weekly bus to Woodgrove shopping centre.

“It only needs to be one day a week, perhaps leaving Bacchus Marsh at 9.30am and returning at 1.30pm giving residents time to shop for necessary items.

“I started contacting Council more than 18 months ago, but their only response was to say they are not considering it.

“It would be such a boost for senior members of the community to be able to independently access shops for clothing and underwear instead of relying on family members to take them.”

Ms Merry is a member of the Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens Centre and has been advocating for several projects for 12 years.

“A bus once a week is not a lot to ask,” she said.

The Moorabool News contacted the Moorabool Shire Council for comment and was told that bus services are not determined by the Council.

Ms Merry is following up the issue with her local member of parliament and Public Transport Victoria.

If anyone would like to add their voice to a call for a bus service they can contact Ms Merry on 0405 966 910.