PART of a bus service which was recently dropped has been reinstated following complaints and thanks to the action of councillors

At a recent township forum meeting, residents voiced their disappointment and anger over the 478 bus service in Ramsbottom, Greenmount and Tottington and demanded transport chiefs make changes.

Due to the strength of feeling and number of complaints over the removal of the service serving the north of Bury and Ramsbottom, Cllrs Ian Bevan, Rob Hodkinson and Ian Schofield lobbied officials from Transport for Greater Manchester.

The Ramsbottom-Brandlesholme-Bury service was stopped by provider Rosso on September 4.

After discussions with Rosso Buses it has been proposed that subject to TfGM agreeing funding, some 478 services would be reinstated.

These would be from Bury to Ramsbottom via Brandlesholme, Holcombe Brook and Nuttall Lane, leaving Bury at 4.25pm and 5.25pm.

It was also proposed that the Saturday services from Bury at 3.15pm, 4.25pm and 5.35pm are also reinstated.

Cllr Bevan said: “As the service is subsidised by TfGM, this appears to be the only financially realistic opportunity we have of securing these later buses from Bury to our areas.

“Before a final decision is made by TfGM, they want our views. If there is a positive response, then it is hoped the services will be reinstated.”

The issue residents had with the current 477 link — which is the only service operating to various parts of Ramsbottom, including the Nuttall Lane area, Whittingham Drive and Summerseat — is that it only operates until 2pm.

At the forum meeting, representatives from TfGM listened to residents' concerns. of residents about the bus service.

Nick Roberts, from TfGM, said some routes had to be cut due to massive financial pressures, but they would look at the suggestions put forward.

It is not the first time that councillors have been involved in trying to improve the service.

In August, Cllr Bevan worked with Cllr Noel Bayley, Bury Council’s representative on TfGM’s committee, to reinstate the X35 that links Bury and Manchester.

Residents should submit their thoughts on the reinstated 478 route to the councillors via their website ramsbottomcouncillors.com or 0161 764 4548.