It's five years since this story about the formation of a new group to improve public transport was making our headlines.

A new campaign group fighting cuts to “crucial” public transport in Epping Forest has been announced.

Following a Green party organised ‘day of action’ in Buckhurst Hill, the non-party political Epping Forest Transport Action will campaign to improve road and rail networks in the district.

Bus services have been cut, London Underground services are “deteriorating” and there are too few cycle paths, organisers claimed.

The meeting was attended by prominent Green politician Baroness Jenny Jones.

Referring to the 505 bus service, which runs through Waltham Abbey, the London Assembly and House of Lords member said: “Generally roads are becoming more congested and there's a lot of pressure on parking spaces, so public transport is becoming even more important.

“This is at a time when a lot of councils and companies have a lot of pressure on their finances and some public transport is shrinking.

“The 505 bus is a typical example of a service which has been slashed, from 22 to 14 services a day.

“It's an Arriva run bus.

“They made huge profits last year yet still they're cutting services.”

As well as service cuts, issues such as the role of Transport for London and the HS2 rail link were discussed at the meeting.

The new group will lobby councillors and MPs, and co-ordinate responses to any public consultations over transport links.

Baroness Jones added: “According to the 2011 census the Epping Forest region had about 54,000 working people, 35,500 of them commuting to other parts of Greater London, so we need good access to London.

“Then there are young people who go to schools and retired people who travel for leisure.

“Public transport is absolutely crucial for Epping Forest's wellbeing.”

Local Green councillor Steven Neville said: “I am delighted that Jenny Jones came and supported efforts to protect our vital public transport such as the bus services 167 and 20.

“I think the suggestion to set up a non-party political campaigning group to fight any cuts to services is a good one and am glad to hear Waltham Abbey Residents Association will be joining in.

“It will be good for groups of all kinds with an interest in local transport to come together as we can achieve more together than apart.”