Local bus cuts completely unacceptable, say Lib Dems

Milnrow and Newhey Councillor Andy Kelly has slammed First Buses' decision to dramatically reduce the 182 bus service. All off peak bus services, currently every half hour will be axed under controversial measures. Andy Kelly is now seeking a meeting with First Buses to discuss their proposals.

Councillor Kelly, who led a campaign to save the service last year, said: "I'm appalled that we are losing this service. This will create a huge problem for local people, especially those who have to travel to the Royal Oldham Hospital. Cancelling all daytime services will affect pensioners disproportionately as they will no longer be able to use the service with their bus passes. First Buses claim the changes have been made in consultation with local people. I don't know a single person in Milnrow or Newhey who wants our daytime services axed. I hope to meet with First Buses and challenge them on what are huge cuts to bus services in our area. I will be launching a petition which will appeal for our services to be maintained. I won't take this lying down."

Councillor Irene Davidson said: "We worked together to save this service last year and will do again. Yet again, Rochdale is being targeted with draconian bus cuts. I know dozens of local people who rely on the 182 to get out and about. To axe our daytime service is disgraceful and I hope that transport bosses listen to our arguments. It is my view that they always wanted to do this. When we won the campaign last year, I know they weren't happy. I am calling on Transport for Greater Manchester to intervene and maintain a daytime service that benefits Firgrove, Milnrow and Newhey."

Kitt Budd, Lib Dem spokesperson for Smallbridge and Firgrove, said: "Local people in Firgrove will be furious at this decision. Rochdale has seen some of the biggest cuts to bus services in Greater Manchester. We shouldn't take this lying down and I fully back the local campaign to save our bus services in our town."