Village residents have shared their fears that they could lose a coastal bus service due to issues caused by level crossing barriers. The Stagecoach 700 service runs from Brighton to Wick and includes stops in Worthing, Goring-by-Sea and East Preston. However, the bus operator is reviewing its route through East Preston due to level crossing barrier obstructions making buses late.
Residents of East Preston are concerned they could lose access to the service, with some calling it “a vital service to so many in the village who do not drive” and a “lifeline”. Read more: Van crashes into level crossing barrier in East Preston Margaret Graham, who lives in the village, said the bus was vital for the community. Margaret, 77, said: "There are many of us older and/or disabled residents of East Preston who are not car drivers and rely on the 700 for regular transport, for our GP and hospital appointments for example, plus shopping in Rustington and Littlehampton, or going further afield to Worthing, Brighton etc - visiting family, attending exercise classes, church and social clubs.
"In short - for having a life outside of our down-sized homes. Yes, there are taxis, but many can't afford to use them on a regular basis. Our bus passes are a blessing and well used.
"There remains a fear of becoming isolated if bus times are changed to, say, one per hour or, worst of all, stopped from running through the village." One man said: “To remove the service from the village entirely w.