Last updated at 17:16, Thursday, 17 January 2013

BUS services are to be protected in a new policy being devised by councillors.

Cumbria County Council is preparing a local travel strategy for the Barrow area as it looks to protect services across the county.

The strategy was discussed at a meeting of the council’s local committee for Barrow, and key priorities for the plan have been set out.

These priorities include protecting existing rail services between Barrow and Manchester Airport and boosting links between further up the coast and Manchester.

Also highlighted is the need to improve bus services and routes on Walney and ensuring that the best use of public transport with bus times tailored to residents’ needs.

The desire to extend services to and from the cemetery and Furness General Hospital is also included.

The council also hopes to develop more community bus schemes for local people and use school mini buses to greater potential to help the wider community.

At the meeting, Cheryl Cowperthwaite, the council’s acting public transport manager, said it is important that bus routes are catered to the needs of the public.

She said: “It is really important that we make sure that as many people as possible are using the bus services.”

Councillor Anne Burns said work had to be done with Stagecoach, which provides the majority of local services, to ensure that areas are not isolated.

Councillor Dave Roberts said he was pleased that the company had listened to previous comments made by people in the area.

First published at 10:33, Thursday, 17 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk