Great Ashby SB7 bus services protected

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2026

Residents in Great Ashby have been given welcome news in the campaign to protect local bus services, after Arriva confirmed it has will be reinstating 30-minute SB7 services.

The announcement follows a strong community campaign launched after Arriva revealed plans to reduce the SB7 service from every 30 minutes to only one per hour.

In response, local MP Alistair Strathern, working with Great Ashby Councillors Laura Williams and Vijaiya Poopalasingham, gathered support from hundreds of residents and called on Hertfordshire County Council and Arriva to work together to find a solution that would maintain the existing level of service.

Following representations Strathern and local councillors, the Council and Arriva have now changed course, and confirmed that they will find funding to maintain the service at its current levels.

Alistair Strathern said:

"This is fantastic news for Great Ashby residents and a real example of what can be achieved when our community comes together and makes its voice heard.

“When plans were announced to reduce the SB7 service, residents told us clearly how important these buses are for getting to work, school, shops, healthcare appointments and visiting family and friends.

“Together with Councillors Laura Williams and Vijaiya Poopalasingham, we pushed for Hertfordshire County Council and Arriva to work constructively to find a solution. I am delighted that they have listened to Great Ashby, and put this right.

I want to thank everyone who signed our petition and backed our campaign.”

Councillors Laura Williams and Vijaiya Poopalasingham welcomed the development, describing it as an important step in protecting essential public transport links for Great Ashby residents.

While details of future service arrangements will continue to be monitored, campaigners say the announcement is a significant breakthrough and provides reassurance for residents who depend on the SB7.

Alistair Strathern MP will continue engaging with Arriva and Hertfordshire County Council to ensure Great Ashby residents have access to reliable and sustainable bus services in the years ahead.