Delight as rural bus services are saved

RURAL residents have spoken of their relief at plans to keep vital bus services linking Grimsby with East Halton, Barton and Brigg.

As reported, fears were raised in January that a number of services could stop running at the end of this month after Stagecoach announced plans to drop its contract with North Lincolnshire Council.

From left, passengers Marjorie Powell, Garry Davies and James Powell are just some of the many residents who would have been left stranded if the bus services had been terminated.

The services that would have been affected included the 450 Grimsby, Barton and Brigg service and the 150 serving East Halton and Grimsby.

As reported, the announcement to cut the service was made after the authority revealed it was to cut the rate it pays for free travel for people aged over 60 and disabled passholders.

But just weeks before the service was due to be dropped, the authority and the bus company have come up with a solution to the problem.

Commercial director for Stagecoach East Midlands, David Skepper, said: "We've worked with North Lincolnshire Council to revise the timetables for the 250 between Grimsby and Barton along with the 450 from Brigg to Barton, and agreed a temporary reduced price for these services.

"Stagecoach East Midlands has agreed to run these services on this temporary basis until September to allow the work to be retendered through North Lincolnshire Council's usual processes."

All the new timetables will come into effect on Monday, April 5.