A RESCUED bus service will run at evenings as well as in the daytime.

First Bus revealed this month that it would be withdrawing its 575 Bolton Horwich route, before both Diamond Bus and Arriva agreed to run new daytime services.

After councillors raised concerns about the lack of night journeys, Diamond has now also registered to provide the Monday to Saturday evening 575 service.

Horwich and Blackrod councillor Stephen Pickup said: “I am delighted that we have managed to have the new operator provide the same service as now on the 575 route in the evenings, as well as in the daytime.

“Having successfully fought the battle to keep the evening 575 buses several years ago, we were determined to do so again.

“A regular bus service is vital for local residents, particularly the poorest in society, the young, the elderly and disabled, who rely on public transport to go about their daily business.

“These groups would be disproportionately affected by any loss of the bus service.”

Together, the 575 and 576 will provide half hourly buses along Chorley New Road.