MP welcomes bus move

WEST Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has welcomed a public transport lifeline for Skelmersdale.

After an angry reaction to the decision earlier this year by Arriva North West to terminate the 313 bus service, an alternative bus service has been agreed by Lancashire County Council.

Ms Cooper recently called for a replacement bus service to ensure residents on the route are not left isolated.

On July 13, the Council agreed that a service will be provided.

There will now be a 312 service running the same route as the 3A, with added stops at Wrightington Hospital, and a 313 service to additionally serve Birch Green and Ashurst; maintaining links to Asda, Newburgh, and Parbold.

Rosie Cooper commented: “We simply shouldn’t have been here in the first place.

“The 313 was used for 85,000 journeys a year.

“It would have been totally wrong if residents were left without a replacement, especially in an area that relies heavily on these services.

“For many, the bus is their means to get to shops, work, and other important transport connections.

“To lose this bus service would have been a devastating blow for residents as they’d have been forced to walk miles or fork out for taxis.

“The Council have recommended that the decision should be implemented immediately.

“There can be no delay in providing vital services for residents.”