Major Bus Boost for Aldreth

Aldreth is set to receive a major improvement to its bus service following months of campaigning by local residents, Haddenham Parish Council and County Councillor Tom Hawker-Dawson.

The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has confirmed that, from 28 February 2027, the Ely Zipper bus service will serve Aldreth twice a day, Monday to Saturday, a significant improvement on the current provision of just two buses a week, both on a Thursday.

The announcement follows a sustained local campaign for better public transport links, including a petition launched by Cllr Hawker-Dawson and supported by local residents, alongside repeated representations to the Mayor by Haddenham Parish Council, local resident Karen Peck, Cllr Hawker-Dawson and Charlotte Cane MP.

Cllr Tom Hawker-Dawson, County Councillor for Soham South and Haddenham, said:

“This is fantastic news for Aldreth and a real victory for residents who have been making the case for a proper bus service for months.

“Going from just two buses a week, both on a Thursday, to provision six days a week will be a huge improvement, particularly for residents who don't have access to a car.

“I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who backed my petition and helped make the case for better public transport in Aldreth.

“I also want to thank Haddenham Parish Council, local residents and Charlotte Cane MP for their persistence in pushing the case. We've all been making representations over many months, and it's encouraging to see that those efforts have resulted in this commitment.

“There is still work to do. We need to make sure the timetable, route and connections genuinely work for residents. But this is a really significant step forward for Aldreth, and shows what can happen when residents and their local representatives keep making the case together.”

Haddenham Parish Council said:

"We warmly welcome the extension of the bus service to Aldreth, recognising the commitment and campaigning of residents who have worked hard to make this improvement happen.

"Better bus connectivity could make a real difference to village life, helping residents access work, education, healthcare, shopping and other essential services, while providing greater choice for those who cannot or prefer not to drive.

"This is a positive step towards improving connectivity for our rural community."

Charlotte Cane MP, Member of Parliament for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, said:

“I’m thrilled to see that after a sustained grassroots campaign from local residents and representatives, people in Aldreth will finally see more bus services. In rural areas like ours, reliable public transport is critical, keeping communities well-connected to employment, public services and shops, as well as to friends and family.

I look forward to seeing more details of the service improvements as plans progress, to ensure that Aldreth residents are offered a practical, reliable service with a timetable that properly meets their needs.”

Karen Peck, Aldreth resident, said:

“When you live in a village with just two buses a week, both on the same day, it really does limit what you can do, especially if you don't drive. 

“Having a bus six days a week will make such a difference to people living here. I'm really pleased that something is finally being done, and grateful to everyone who has helped push for it."

The four parties have written jointly to the Mayor seeking further details of the proposed timetable, route and connections, as well as clarification about the long-term arrangements for the enhanced service.

They have also offered to work with the Combined Authority to ensure the new provision meets residents' needs and is effectively publicised ahead of its introduction.