Wheels back in motion for vital bus service

Residents of Gawthorpe ward contacted local councillors and MP Julie Cooper asking for help to overturn some changes to the number 21 service, which ran along Guy street and Garden Street in Padiham.

Negotiations began with bus company M and M, and the service has now been reinstated.

Mrs Cooper said: “I was pleased to be able to help with this. I know from the many residents who have contacted my constituency office that the cuts to subsidised services have hit people hard and made many lives far more difficult, particularly for the elderly.

“As MP I have been happy to spearhead negotiations with the bus companies to mitigate the effects of the cuts, and some concessions have been made as a result.

“Sadly not all bus companies have been able or willing to make the requested changes so I was delighted to hear that M and M Coaches have agreed to reinstate the stops on the number 21 route suggested by residents, to make their daily lives easier.

“There are several residential Hhomes and bungalows in this area with residents who rely heavily on bus services to visit family and friends or access medical services and shops.”

Coun. Andy Tatchell said “I am delighted to hear of this news. People affected by the changes have been writing and producing petitions in protest but without success, it was only when I approached Julie our MP for her help that we began to make progress resulting in this excellent outcome. The residents have asked me to pass on my thanks to her.”