BUS passengers are celebrating winning a four month battle after it was agreed to re-route a key service.

The 538 Blue Bus from Bolton to Bromley Cross will now call at the Toppings Estate every hour after residents campaigned to get it to return to its original route.

They were furious with the decision last October to alter the service by dropping a busy stop on the estate.

Bromley Cross councillors said shoppers laden with bags faced long uphill walks as the nearest stop was on Darwen Road.

Cllr Alan Wilkinson (Con) said the new route also made it difficult for the elderly to get around.

But Horwich-based Blue Bus said the original route was not making enough money to continue running the service through the estate.

People power, however, has forced transport chiefs to make sure the Toppings Estate is back on the service.

Plans to subsidise the 538 were revealed at a meeting of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's Transport Network Committee.

The organisation has agreed to pay Blue Bus to divert the service through the estate every hour.

Councillor Guy Harkin, vice-chairman of the authority and deputy leader of Bolton Council, said: "Although the majority of the estate is only a quarter of a mile or so from the main Darwen Road where the 538 and 539 run, the walk back up the estate is hilly and it can be difficult for many people who are often loaded down with shopping."

Cllr Wilkinson said: "It was posing problems for many to get to the library, the doctors or even the community centre. I am pleased that common sense has prevailed."

Resident Kathleen Cummings said: "A lot of people were simply land-locked. They could not get off the estate.

"I speak for everyone when I say it is great news."

The hourly 538 service to the Toppings Estate will return on Monday January 27.

Details are available on 0161 228 7811.