SERIOUS concerns about the future of an ‘essential’ local bus service have been raised by councillors.
Labour councillors Louise Gittins (Little Neston and Burton) and Andy Williams (Neston) say stops on the 272 bus route will be taken off.
The service operates on an hourly basis between Arrowe Park Hospital, Parkgate, Neston, Little Neston, Ness, Hooton and Ellesmere Port and has been funded by a partnership between Cheshire West and Chester and Merseytravel.
Cllr Louise Gittins said: “For many people this is the only way for visiting hospital and going shopping from communities that can be quite isolated. The bus picks up passengers from Ness, Riverside and Little Neston and is regarded by many as a lifeline.”
Cllr Andy Williams added: “A reliable link to the frequent train services from Hooton to Chester and Liverpool is vital for employment and young people accessing education.
“Alternatives such as the car or taxi are either too expensive or are not available.”
Following requests from the two councillors to Cheshire West and Chester Council for more information it seems that the core service will remain but that areas such as Ness, Riverside and Burton will lose their service.
Cllr Gittins added: “The Government’s withdrawal of Labour’s rural bus grant in April of this year has been the root cause of this loss of service.
“In spite of contributions toward the costs from Merseytravel some communities will miss out.
“Bus services like these are an essential part of the social fabric of the area.”
