PENSIONERS living in Clayton-le-Woods claim they are becoming prisoners in their homes because of cuts to bus services.

Folk who rely on public transport in Spring Meadow and Higher Meadow are calling on the area's bus operators, J Fishwick & Sons of Golden Hill, Leyland, to consider their needs.

One 78-year-old women, who did not want to be named, complained she had been forced to take expensive taxi journeys to get to her doctors because of the "restrictions" created by revised times to Leyland.

She added: "The service has gradually gone worse. For a while now I've been a virtual prisoner at the weekend because there is no bus after lunchtime on Saturday. It is quite depressing at times. We are encouraged to use public transport then find it's just not viable at certain times."

Fishwick and Sons director John Brindle explained that all services were continuing, just less frequently.

"The reason is a lack of patronage," he said. "We keep a regular eye on our routes. We believe that although the buses are not as frequent there is still an adequate service. There is now one bus per hour instead of two."

Clayton-le-Woods West and Cuerden ward councillor Ann Bland has promised to investigate the concerns. She added: "I am not aware of any problems but I will speak to Fishwicks about this. I understand the concerns, but if buses are not used then they stop becoming cost effective."