BARNSLEY’S only Conservative MP Miriam Cates is urging her constituents to sign a petition to gain better bus services for her area.

Ms Cates, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, has previously worked to secure funding for the number 26 bus which links Penistone with other areas.

She has now started a petition to ensure that residents in her constituency have better access to rural bus services.

She said: “I know how important regular reliable bus services are for rural areas like ours, offering vital transport connections for families and businesses.

“The Mayor of South Yorkshire is responsible for planning and funding our public transport network to meet the needs of everyone in the county.

“But, it seems to me that rural communities like Penistone and the surrounding villages are being neglected by a public transport system that prioritises cities and major towns.

“Our rural communities are being let down, so I’m calling on the Mayor to use his powers and resources to give us a fair deal for rural bus services.

“I’ve worked with local communities and bus providers to secure funding for the number 26 bus that links Penistone and Stocksbridge with a number of our local villages.

“This new route has been a great success, offering much improved connectivity to schools, shops, health services, and social activities.

“But this is not enough.

“Too many people in our communities are struggling to travel to jobs, education and health services, reducing opportunities for young people and isolating the elderly.

“We need the people in charge of our local transport network to develop a proper plan for improving and maintaining rural bus routes. “

“That’s why I’m asking for your support as I call on the mayor to produce a Rural Bus Services Action Plan that recognises the specific needs of Penistone, Stocksbridge and their surrounding villages.”

To complete the petition follow the link on Miriam Cates’ website.