Call for return of Kirkholt’s evening bus service

Councillor Dale Mulgrew

Councillor Dale Mulgrew has called for an “urgent” solution to see the resumption of the number six evening bus service for the Kirkholt estate.

The number six service is the only bus that operates on Kirkholt after 7pm in the evening, but was withdrawn from service on 17 December.

This suspension was introduced because the bus operator, Coachmasters, had seen a number of incidents involving local youths vandalising their vehicle and intimidating their drivers.

Previous to the service’s removal, the Police and the Council’s community safety team had worked to tackle this youth nuisance issue.

However, in the end the bus company considered the safety of its drivers paramount, and could not continue to bear the cost of the damage to its vehicles, given that they are a small, locally based bus company.

Since the withdrawal of this service, there have been attempts to find a solution that would allow the bus to recommence. Local councillors have even supported a bid for funding that will partly contribute to the costs of installing CCTV to the vehicle that is used for the service.

However, the bus service continues to be suspended.

Councillor Mulgrew said: “A small minority of youths from the estate have placed in jeopardy the evening bus service that is a lifeline to residents on the estate. This is deplorable that a handful of yobs can hold the mobility of people who rely on this bus to ransom. The community should shame these individuals and the Police should be working to prevent them from being involved in such destructive activities.”

“We need to see an urgent return of the bus service. The current suspension is causing inconvenience, hurting people’s pockets, and compromising the safety of residents who have to walk home during the evening.”

Councillor Mulgrew continued: “I am led to believe that Coachmasters want to be assured that any resumption of this service will have a strong presence from the Police. At last week’s Rochdale Township meeting, I asked the Inspector responsible what his response would be to this ongoing issue, and he committed to providing officers who would escort the weekend services.”

“I hope this helps instil a confidence that will enable Coachmasters to find a solution for a swift return of the bus service.”

Neil Bailey, of Coachmasters, said: “We are meeting with all the people involved on Friday to try and resolve the situation and see whether something can be done to enable this service to resume.