Hundreds sign petition against “disgraceful” cuts to bus service

Councillor Irene Davidson and Councillor Andy Kelly

Hundreds of people have signed a petition against cuts to a popular bus service between Rochdale and Royal Oldham Hospital.

The off peak 182 service is to be axed by First Bus on Monday (25 July), due to an apparent reduction in passengers.

However, passengers who rely on the service to get to the hospital have hit out at the bus company, saying the lack of a day time service will have a drastic effect.

Milnrow Councillor Andy Kelly set up the petition, which at the time of publication had garnered over 300 signatures against the cuts.

Councillor Kelly said: "I'm appalled that we are losing this service. This will create a huge problem for local people, especially those who have to travel to the Royal Oldham Hospital. Cancelling all day time services will affect pensioners disproportionately as they will no longer be able to use the service with their bus passes.

“I don't know a single person in Milnrow or Newhey who wants our day time services axed. I hope to meet with First Bus and challenge them on what are huge cuts to bus services in our area. I won't take this lying down."

Fellow Milnrow Councillor Irene Davidson said: "We worked together to save this service last year and will do so again.

"Yet again Rochdale is being targeted with draconian bus cuts.

"I know dozens of local people who rely on the 182 to get out and about.

“To axe our day time service is disgraceful and I hope that transport bosses listen to our arguments.

"It is my view that they always wanted to do this. When we won the campaign last year, I know they weren't happy.

"I am calling on Transport for Greater Manchester to intervene and maintain a daytime service that benefits Firgrove, Milnrow and Newhey."

A spokesperson for First Bus commented: "We review our network on an ongoing basis to ensure services meet the majority of our customers’ needs.

"In the case of the Rochdale-Manchester 182 we are making changes to reflect reducing passenger numbers on part of the route.

"From Sunday this will mean that most journeys will operate between Shaw and Manchester, with some peak time journeys which are well used continuing to serve Milnrow.

"I appreciate this could involve travel changes for some customers with connections still in place by taking the 58 and changing at Rochdale or Oldham.

"We would welcome a meeting with local councillors to understand their concerns and if we can introduce improvements to the network we will but our service provision does need to reflect customer demand."