Bring back my bus so I can get to work at Deepdale plea

Gemma Mountford was appalled to discover she could no longer get a bus to work for her Sunday shift at Deepdale Retail Park.

The 30 year old combines looking after her daughter Lyla,two, with full time studies at UCLan and 25 hours weekly shopwork and says her job could now be in jeopardy.

The number 14 Sunday and evening bus service, operated by Stagecoach on behalf of Lancashire County Council, was axed following the council’s decision to cut bus subsidies to save cash.

Gemma, who has mobility problems, asked: “Why would the council cut a service that filters workers and visitors to the largest retail park we have in Preston?”

Andrew Varley, the council’s public transport manager, said: “The Cabinet Working Group for Buses prioritised using the reduced budget of £2m to support services which operate at times when the majority of people would need them to get to work, and access education and other vital services.

“We’re aware that there will be an impact on people where services have reduced or ended as we can no longer afford to support them to the same level. People who need to access Deepdale Retail Park during the evening or on Sundays may be able to use other commercial services which serve stops on Deepdale Road and Ribbleton Avenue.”