Council throws a lifeline to third bus route

The authority has 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.

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.

Chorley Council has already secured the short-term futures of the 24A and 109A, which link Chorley with the villages out towards Blackburn and Astley Village.

It is funding 70 per cent of the cost, while 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.

“Buses are a vital link for people who don’t have access to a car to get to and from work, to appointments and also to help people maintain their independence.”