Residents launch petition after Preston Bus announces route number 14 will be trimmed

Preston Bus number 14 route will be cut back as of September 3

The number 14 service is to stop picking up passengers from the Ronaldsway and Longsands areas as of September 3.

Here are all the Preston Bus service changes set to start this September 2018

Instead it will turn around at Holme Slack, to the frustration of residents who have started up a petition to ensure their area is served by a bus route.

Operators, Preston Bus, say that due to the lack of custom from the Ronaldsway and Longsands areas, the firm has had to make the commercial decision.

A spokesman said: “Following a commercial review of all our services, Preston Bus regrettably announces that from September 3, 2018, service 14 will terminate at Holme Slack, Lily Grove and will no longer serve the Ronaldsway and Longsands area.

“Unfortunately, due to a constant decline in patronage the extended service through Ronaldsway to Longsands service is no longer sustainable.

“While it is little comfort to those affected, this decision has not been taken lightly but is necessary.”

But householders who rely on the service are calling for the 23, which stops at Asda, Fulwood, to be extended to the Anderton Arms pub.

Dorothy Aithal, 56, who lives in Squires Wood says cutting the number 14 bus will mean she will have to walk 30 to 40 minutes to get to the next nearest bus stop.

She said: “Quite a few of us in our cul de sac are older.

“What happens during the winter when there is ice?

“Everywhere is connected by a bus except here. Why can’t the 23 which stops at Asda come to the Anderton Arms. That way we would be connected.”

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "We have explored alternative solutions for a replacement service for the areas affected and have made enquiries with other local bus service providers, unfortunately none are prepared to provide a service without significant subsidy.

"While we appreciate the inconvenience these changes to this commercial route may cause, the county council is not in a position to be able to fund a replacement service at the moment.

In the meantime, we will continue to liaise with bus service providers to explore any other alternative solutions that may become available."

Search ‘A Decent Bus Route’ at change.org to sign the petition.