Kirklee residents receive bus benefits

Residents on the Kirklee estate will soon have a new door-to-door bus service to help them get around town.

The Local Link service will now run around the estate after the 442 bus service was axed last month.

Rossendale Transport withdrew the 442 claiming parking problems around the estate had resulted in their buses being involved in a number of accidents.

But from 26 October the Milkstone and Deeplish Local Link service will be extended to run to the estate. The bus helps residents get to local supermarkets and link up with other bus services at Rochdale Bus Station.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority spokesperson for Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, said: "This is great news for people in the Kirklee estate area. Local Link is a fantastic service and I'm sure that it will be a big benefit to many residents.

"It differs from a conventional bus service because it's door-to-door. Anyone living within the operating area can use it, you just ring up and book and it turns up when and where you want it.

"It's important that everyone has access to public transport and I'm glad that we are able to step in and help.

"Local Link makes it easier for people to get out and about - to the shops, work, and to see friends and relatives - and I'm glad we've found the funding to extend the service."

Milkstone and Deeplish Local Link operates between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Adult single tickets cost £1.50 or £2 return and concessionary fares are cheaper. Passengers should call 08456 055505 to book journeys. For more information visit: