More than a hundred young people and parents converged on Wallington town centre last night to protest against the axing of the N213 night-bus service.
Laura Wheeler, who organised the event to protest about the withdrawal of the Sutton to Croydon night bus, said: “I am impressed that we were able to gather so many people in such a short space of time – it really shows how well our community can work together to try and affect change.”
The campaign to reinstate the bus began on Facebook, with the online group approaching 3,000 members. Transport for London (TFL) claims the route isn’t used frequently enough, but comments on the web-site suggest the service is often full with standing room only on some evenings.
Liberal Democrat MP, Tom Brake said: “This campaign has been driven by young people and has galvanised opposition to TFL’s decision. As their local MP, I’m backing their bid to reinstate the night service 100 per cent.”
Mr Brake, who has been banned from Facebook after publicising the demonstration, said: "The decision to cut the services has been about penny-pinching, and has clearly overlooked the very serious consequences for the personal safety of many young people in Carshalton, Wallington and Sutton.
"“My worry is that people will feel they have little option but to use unlicensed mini-cabs or walk – as a parent I know that the loss of the N213 will cause no end of worry”
Miss Wheeler said: “Hopefully the protest will have demonstrated to Boris that there are a large number of people who rely on this service, whether it be taking their children home safely or commuting to work.
“The protest will have demonstrated to Boris that there are a large number of people who rely on this bus, whether it be taking their children home safely or commuting to work.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here