LOCAL MP Stephen Crabb has commended the work of community transport groups after joining other politicians in raising concerns about planned law changes which could affect the service.

On Friday, May 19 Mr Crabb met with the Preseli Rural Transport Association, also known as the Green Dragon Bus, to discuss their fears over potential new licensing costs.

Earlier this year the Department for Transport proposed changes to the community transport permit scheme which could lead to increased costs for groups across the UK like Green Dragon who operate bus services for community groups.

Following a meeting with Caroline Wilson, Green Dragon Bus manager, Stephen Crabb MP said: “A lot of needless confusion and fear has been created among the staff and volunteers of community schemes like the Green Dragon Bus.

“These groups do a fantastic job filling in the public transport not-spots in rural communities. They deserve our full backing."

MPs gathered for a Westminster Hall debate on the subject on May 10.

Following this debate and a campaign by community transport organisations and MPs, the DfT has sought to reassure the community transport operators.

In an update to local authorities on May 14 the DfT stated: “The Department continues to believe that, with the exception of a small number of large operators who may in effect be genuinely competing on commercial terms with commercial bus operators, community transport operators should not be affected by future clarifications of law.”

A consultation on the plans closed at the start of May, and is being analysed by the DfT.

A response is expected in July.

Mr Crabb added: “I am pleased that the Department for Transport has now backed off from these plans and I hope they will drop them altogether.”

Mr Crabb, along with other MP's, had written to the Transport Minister urging him to drop the proposals and defended current arrangements which treat community transport groups differently from commercial bus companies.

Green Dragon has expanded from one mini-bus when it started in 2002 and now operates five minibuses along with a car club and a scooter hire scheme ensuring people in rural areas are connected.