Farnworth councillor wants better bus services for the community

This comes as the reliability of buses in the area has been sharply declining.

Cllr Paul Sanders has shared his concerns regarding bus services in the borough as residents have expressed their frustration over long delays, services being dropped and crowded buses.

Greater Manchester has also recently taken over the running of its buses as part of metro mayor Andy Burnham's plans to create a more integrated and cost effective transport system in the region. 

Speaking about the decline in bus services, Cllr Paul Sanders, who represents Farnworth and Kearsley First, said: “Over a number of months, it's clear that the reliability of our buses has been sharply declining.

“Feedback from residents is highlighting long delays, scheduled services dropped and crowded buses.

“The routes that appear to be affected the most are Diamond's number 8, 36, 37 and 501.

“These routes are vital for the residents of Farnworth and Kearsley, young and old - linking our towns with Bolton and wider Manchester and important destinations like Royal Bolton Hospital.

Number 8 bus travelling up Market Street, Farnworth (Image: Cllr Paul Sanders)

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“Bus users were assured by Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester mayor) and that there wouldn't be 'chaos' when buses were brought under public control in Greater Manchester.

“Regretfully these early days of this new system are not running smoothly.

“The ongoing blame games between TfGM and operators needs to be resolved soon as bus users are the ones being impacted the most.

“And all of this confusion and disruption comes at a time when it was envisaged that bus usage would increase.

“This important matter can be raised by local councillors at the next full council meeting.”

Diamond Bus were approached for comment but didn’t respond before publication.

This comes after other areas in the borough are also seeing declines in the reliability of buses.

A Deane bus user has hit out after services are often cancelled while other residents in Breightmet have launched a campaign to prevent "vital" bus services from being cut in Bolton.

The campaign came after news that Diamond Buses are planning to cut a number of lines around the borough from April onwards.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.