Bus service gets a lifeline

A third bus route set to be axed is being saved by Chorley Council.

The authority stepped in to provide an hourly service between Chorley and Coppull, after residents were upset by Lancashire County Council pulling its subsidy for the service operated by Stagecoach.

The 6 and 6A circular service is now operated by Holmeswood and links the town centre with Gillibrand estate, Eaves Green and Coppull.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gary Hall, the council’s chief executive, said: “We’ve already helped save two of the vital bus routes in the borough and the service to Coppull was another that residents felt very strongly about.

“We’ve been working behind the scenes to strike a deal and this service will be wholly subsidised by ourselves for the next six months while alternatives are considered to create a sustainable service for the longer term.”

The council will put around £36,000 into running the service for the next six months.

The 6 and 6A service were among the routes being cut by the county council as it seeks to save £64m from its budget.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chorley Council has already secured the 24A and 109A services, by funding 70 per cent of the cost, while the county council funds 30 per cent initially for six months.

Mr Hall said: “We’d urge residents to use the buses so we can make a compelling case for keeping these services in the longer term.”