Vital bus services in Accrington have been revamped

Monday, 11 November 2024 at 12:51

By Central Radio News

Vital local bus services around the Accrington area have been revamped including new Saturday services set to be rolled out as part of a reorganisation of the routes.

Earlier in the summer, Lancashire County Council stepped in to support local bus services in Hyndburn operated by Pilkingtonbus.

The council, working with the operator and following feedback from public engagement, has announced new routes and timetables to increase service levels to generally hourly during the daytime. This will be done by filling in current gaps in the timetables and introducing a Saturday service on most routes from Monday, November 25.

This is part of Lancashire County Council's vision for improving bus journeys across the county, and making public transport more attractive, easier to use and simplifying services. It utilises LCC funding alongside additional funding from HM Government through LCC's Bus Service Improvement Plan.

As part of these changes, the council will also amend the Holmeswood Coaches-operated Service 15, in Accrington to serve Dill Hall, and in the Lowerfold area of Great Harwood, providing regular services to these areas that were not previously covered by a bus route.

Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: "We are keen to improve public transport links across Lancashire and this new network of services offers up more daytime and Saturday journeys across Hyndburn.

"This will improve local links to Accrington Railway Station, offering greater connectivity onto the wider public transport network.

"As well as this, we are excited to bring bus services to parts of Great Harwood and Green Haworth, that are not currently served by public transport.

"We encourage more residents to make use of these new and improved services as an alternative to driving, to open up their access to employment opportunities, leisure, healthcare and shopping."