A DECISION to axe the popular X41 bus service has been reversed.

Operator Transdev has announced a "rescue package" for the Red Express service, which provides a "vital link" between Ramsbottom, Holcombe, Stubbins, Accrington, Haslingden and Manchester city centre.

The rescue plan comes just five days before the service was due to be cut.

Dozens of people have taken to social media to share their delight that the bus service will resume on Monday, with residents describing it as "wonderful news" and "an excellent development."

Transdev said that they are launching a revised timetable that includes new morning and afternoon rush hour services.

Previously advertised changes to the Irwell Line, 481 and 483 services, to create an every 30 minute Bury-Ramsbottom-Rawtenstall link will no longer go ahead.

Major concerns were previously raised over the proposed axing of the route, with thousands of people signing a petition calling for the X41 bus to be saved. Rosso cited annual losses of £300,000 as the reason behind the decision in early December.

An update posted on Transdev's website yesterday reads: "Together with newly elected MPs and our local authority partners, we have launched a rescue package for Red Express to keep fast, direct buses between Accrington, Haslingden, Ramsbottom and Manchester.

"Red Express has faced an uncertain future and many of you will know that we had made the difficult decision to replace it with a revised network to help us cover our ongoing costs of operation.

"However, behind the scenes, we have been busy and in the last couple of weeks we’ve had constructive discussions with local and national politicians, alongside colleagues from our local authorities. We have worked together to find a way forward which is a slightly revised timetable that includes fast buses at rush hours which will see 15 minutes shaved from journeys to make commuting much more attractive for people.

"We appreciate that this is a last minute change and our teams will be on hand to answer questions and make sure everyone who needs to travel can do so.

"After years of hard work and huge investment on Red Express, trying to make it a success for all, we are obviously pleased that we can continue, and we look forward to picking you up as usual after January 26."

Transdev said the reinstated service will provide new "fast morning rush hour journeys", with buses arriving into Manchester, Chorlton Street, at 7.40am and 8.10am. They have also pledged new "fast afternoon" journeys, leaving the same stop at 4.35pm and 5.15pm.

James Daly, MP for Bury North, along with Ramsbottom councillors, has been involved in talks with Transdev and Transport for Greater Manchester "in a fight to protect the service."

He said: “The news that the X41 bus service has been retained is great news for my constituents. I am grateful for the support of fellow Conservative Members of Parliament, the Secretary of State for Transport and the Prime Minister’s Office in finding a solution to this issue. I also thank the hard work of Lancashire County Council and the service provider, Transdev who have worked so constructively with me to ensure this crucial public transport link is maintained for Bury North residents.

“Since being elected I have campaigned to save the X41 bus service which is so important, especially to residents of Ramsbottom and lobbied TfGM and Bury Council to find a solution and ensure residents have a direct public transport connection to the centre of Manchester.”

“I organised a meeting last week with the bus provider, where other local Members of Parliament and councillors were in attendance. It was a positive, productive meeting and the hard work has paid off.

"The campaign for better bus services in our area continues however, and I have recently discussed how we improve and expand existing routes with Go North West, encouraging them to look at how they may wish to expand in our area providing more choice for residents of Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington."

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps said “I congratulate our MPs James Daly and Sara Britcliffe for their work in securing this vital local connection."

The full timetable is due to be uploaded to the transdevbus.co.uk site.