First Manchester to withdraw the Rochdale to Lane Head bus service

The Rochdale to Lane Head bus service is being withdrawn due to dwindling passenger numbers, says operator First Manchester.

The 438, which runs from the Rochdale Interchange via Spotland Bridge and Daniel Fold on a half-hourly basis, is to be withdrawn from 28 January. The last day of service will be Saturday 27 January, when the bus runs on an hourly timetable until 6.41pm.

A First Manchester spokesperson said: “The decision to remove the 438 service was not taken lightly and reflects the low and declining passenger numbers in areas most of which are served by other bus routes.”

Residents living at Daniel Fold will still be able to reach Rochdale centre via bus as another operator, Rosso, will continue to run the 467 service from Rochdale to Bury.

However, there will be no bus from Daniel Fold to Catley Lane Head.

A representative for the Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum said: "Ring and Ride would be an alternative available to those passengers who will be inconvenienced and have mobility problems.

"If any of you use this bus service or would not like to see it go completely, please email Councillor Cecile Biant (cecile.biant@rochdale.gov.uk) with your concerns, preferably as a letter attachment with your full name and address.

"Cecile will pass on anything you send to TfGM and Rochdale Council representatives on that body. We need to act quickly if people want the service to stay."