WE were disappointed to learn recently of the proposed cuts to the 494 and 479 local bus routes servicing the Chesham Fold, Walmersley and Limefield areas by Rossendale Transport ('Rosso').

We understand that Rosso have said that these routes are no longer profitable to the bus operator.

These bus routes are a life line to some of our elderly and less mobile constituents, allowing them access to routes closer to their homes where they wouldn't ordinarily be able to use the alternative routes. We could not sit back and allow the cuts to go ahead without making representations, and we were extremely pleased with the way this issue galvanised local people to pull together for the sake of the wider community.

Our collective efforts were recognised by Transport for Greater Manchester ('TfGM') who accepted the need for the 479 service to continue, albeit on a reduced Monday to Friday basis. The 494 bus service will also continue, again on a reduced basis. While the reduced service on both routes is not ideal, we are pleased that neither service has been cut entirely, as per the original plan. We would like to thank everybody involved in the campaign, in particular to the local community who did a sterling job in running petitions and raising awareness. We would also like to thank TfGM for responding in a positive way to the needs of our community.

Cllr Sandra Walmsley, Cllr Sarah Southworth and Cllr Dot Cassidy

Moorside Ward Councillors