THERE is a group in east Norfolk aiming to bring back the feelgood factor to Great Yarmouth.

East Norfolk Transport Users Association works with, not for, local transport services to make Yarmouth and east Norfolk more accessible.

Funded by donations, the organisation has a membership of more than 100 and members meet quarterly to discuss issues with public transport.

Twice a year they meet with representatives of Anglian and First Buses as well as Greater Anglian Rail to discuss positive ways to change the services provided.

The association has many aims; among them implementing a bus service to and from Yarmouth town centre to the railway station and industrial estates on the edges; a bus service during the summer months to and from the railway station and seafront, with cost included in the purchase of a train ticket to Yarmouth.

ENTUA is also working to overhaul the facilities at the railway station, which currently closes at 5.30pm. These plans include creating better facilities and a later opening time.

Association secretary Steve Hewitt, 56, describes the station as “cold and uninviting,” and, “If you are caught short after the station has closed you aren’t able to go to the toilet until you get to Norwich. If you miss or are early for your train you have to stand outside, whatever the weather.

“It’s a depressing place to be.”

Other suggested improvements include the introduction of direct services to London Liverpool Street, Lowestoft and Cambridge allowing travellers to miss the change over at Norwich. This ENTUA feels will cause an increased number of people to travel – less changing hassle and directly benefit commuters on the Norwich to Yarmouth line at peak times.And the group would like to see later trains to and from Norwich for nightlife travellers.

Where buses are concerned, ENTUA wants to see the introduction of a decreased fare for bus trips around the town centre, introducing more stops on village routes, and clearer timetables.

To join ENTUA, a minimum donation of £5 is required per year. This allows members to attend all meetings to discuss public transport issues in the Yarmouth area.

website www.entua.org.uk