Rural Services are vital to a vibrant and beautiful countryside. Although everyone should have access to basic services, rural services are under threat throughout the country.

Whether it’s post offices, pubs, doctor’s surgeries, schools or other key services the pressure to reduce costs, create profits and increase efficiency has led to closures of rural services. It is often the most vulnerable who suffer as a result.

This has affected all rural areas but is a particular difficulty for those living in remoter areas.
In the West Midlands CPRE has raised concerns about policies for providing rural services and have commented publicly on issues such as the loss of Phone Boxes in Villages.

We believe it is essential at a time of Public Sector cuts that these services are valued and protected. We accept that not all services can be maintained everywhere but believe it is important that Public Utilities and Services are available to those who need them.
This may mean using cross-subsidy from more profitable areas of a business, it may mean finding innovative ways to provide mobile or e-services, it may mean supporting voluntary provision.
There also needs to be a good broad band service across the region, including in rural areas. Without the co-ordinating role of Advantage West Midlands this will need local champions to ensure it happens.
Of course, some services will always be provided in Market Towns and Cities. In 2008 WM CPRE published ‘Cause for Concern’, a report into Rural Public Transport which sets out our concerns and ‘Room for Improvement’ which suggests how we might ensure there is appropriate public transport provision for those without access to a car in the countryside.

12.08.10