Preston's cuts hit Park and Ride services saved

The decision means the park-and-ride sites at Walton le Dale and Portway in Preston will stay open and shoppers and commuters will be able to park and catch buses into the city centre, with no change in fares.

The decision follows talks between the company and Lancashire County Council. The cash strapped Council had voted earlier this year to axe £200,000 of subsidy from next Monday in a bid to save cash.

Bob Dunn, Managing Director of Preston Bus, which will maintain the sites, said: “We felt as though the closure of the Park and Ride would further worsen congestion in the City Centre. I am delighted that as a result of our discussions with officers from LCC we have been able to continue this service on a revised basis.”

Buses will operate from 7.15 am to 7.45pm. There will be a direct shuttle service from the Walton le Dale facility behind the Capitol Centre to Jacson Street in the city centre every 8 minutes.

Portway will no longer have its own dedicated bus service. but the 89 service from Lea/Larches to Preston will divert to collect passengers every 10 minutes. On weekday mornings from 7am to 9am a shuttle bus will run from Portway to the railway station. In addition Portway will open on Sundays.