THE picturesque village of Barrow Bridge could be left without transport links when a bus service is withdrawn.

The 526 service, which links the village to Bolton via Smithills, is to be scrapped on October 24 because of falling passenger numbers.

The latest blow follows the withdrawal two years ago of the popular 502 bus which used to serve Barrow Bridge and as well as the Royal Bolton Hospital.

When this service was stopped, it was replaced by the 526 service.

David Doolin, First Manchester spokesman, said: "The service will be withdrawn because there were not many people travelling to Barrow Bridge.

"The majority of the 526 route is covered by two services operated by Blue Bus."

Transport chiefs hope another bus company will take over the route and operate a subsidised service to the village.

The Greater Manchester Passenger Authority agreed at a meeting yesterday to put the route out to tender.

Cllr Nicholas Peel, Bolton's spokesman for the authority, said: "The last thing we want to see is people suffering by losing their local bus service.

"We have a very limited budget with which to pay for replacement services when a change to the commercial network leaves a particular area with no service.

"In the case of the 526, the changes proposed by First Manchester would leave some areas of Barrow Bridge without adequate services, so I am very pleased to hear that the passenger transport executive has requested tenders from bus operators for a replacement service."

Other services affected by changes being made by First Manchester include the 93 and 137 Bury to Manchester and 600 Wigan to Leigh services. Timetables for all three services will be modified.