Alternative service... but passengers still miss out Behaved in abusive manner towards partner

came during the 1965/66 season when It has been confirmed that an alternative bus service will replace the outgoing number two route between Monklands and Baillieston – but Airdrie commuters will still miss out.

Last month First Bus announced plans to axe the route that connects the area to Glasgow and terminates in Faifley, West Dunbartonshire.

The company cited a decline in passenger demand for the decision.

United Coaches have now agreed with SPT to provide a replacement route from this coming Monday, August 19.

However, the new route will start in Coatbridge, meaning three stops will be cancelled – Maxim Park, Clark Street and Airdrie town centre.

On top of that, the service will run on an hourly, daytime basis, leaving SPT searching for a second operator to take the route outwith regular hours.

The route vacated by First Bus is the only direct service that takes customers directly to Glasgow city centre from Airdrie, Coatbridge and Bargeddie.

After leaving Airdrie it travels through Coatbridge town centre, Whifflet and Kirkwood before going on to Baillieston and subsequently Glasgow’s east end.

First’s decision to withdraw Monklands from the route and instead begin in Baillieston left passengers reeling, with dozens of angry commuters venting their anger on the Advertiser’s Facebook page.

An SPT spokesperson said: “The number two service between Ballieston and Airdrie throughout the whole of the UK. is a commercial service and SPT has no powers to prevent the operator from withdrawing from this section of the route.

“This is obviously disappointing news and we are conscious of the this very sad time.” challenges this will pose for some existing passengers.

“Following work to stimulate commercial interest by SPT, United Coaches will now run an hourly daytime, Monday to Saturday, service between Coatbridge and Baillieston, via Bargeddie from Monday, August 19, to ensure continuation of service for most passengers.

“SPT has inv i t e d the submissions of bids to operate a subsidised bus service outwith the operational times of this new service on a temporary basis so we can monitor travel patterns and usage.” A sheriff has admonished a foulmouthed man who behaved in a threatening and abusive manner towards his partner.

Vincent Graham “acted aggressively” and shouted and swore at the woman in a property on Coatbridge’s Newlands Street.

The incident took place on March 24 and 27- year- old Graham subsequently entered a guilty plea at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Graham, from Perth, was given the chance to prove he could stay clear of further trouble with the law during a period of deferral.

He made his way back to the dock last week, when the procurator fiscal and defence lawyer John McGeechan revealed Graham had kept his nose clean.

Sheriff Morag Shankland then informed Graham: “You have been of good behaviour, so you and 50p per child; various stalls will include tombola, cake and candy, fancy goods and handmade cards and all are welcome to attend.