Hundreds of people have called for a bus service to run from Crowthorne Village centre to Crowthorne Station on Duke’s Ride.

Ian Spurrier submitted a petition of 405 signatures to Wokingham Borough Council, calling on it to pressure Thames Valley Buses to add a stop at Crowthorne station on its Crowthorne to Wokingham service.

The 125 service from Blackthorne to Wokingham runs through Crowthorne, but doesn’t stop at the station. Directions on Google Maps suggest that if someone wants to take public transport from Crowthorne village to the station, they will need to get the bus to Sandhurst, then take a train.

Mr Spurrier told councillors: “There used to be a service down Duke’s Ride to the station end but this was discontinued several years ago.

“There is an increasing population with a wide variation of demographic at the west end of Duke’s Ride. The elderly, young parents with small children, train travellers, as well as those who can’t drive or who would prefer not to for environmental or cost reasons.

“This need will increase dramatically if the planned development of over 200 dwellings on Derby Field goes ahead.

He added: “It is a mile to walk from the station to Crowthorne Village and the nearest bus stop is on Lower Wokingham Road, a good 20 minute walk even for a fit person.”

Mr Spurrier added that although Crowthorne is in Bracknell Forest, he and many others who consider themselves residents of Crowthorne live just over the border in Wokingham Borough.

He asked the council to “Use this petition in your partnership with the bus company to prove to them that there is a need for this service.”