SADDLEWORTH Liberal Democrats have slammed proposals for yet more reductions to bus services in Saddleworth.

The proposals by Transport for Greater Manchester seek to abolish services 353, 354, 355 and 407. They propose to expand the Saddleworth rambler service (356) to cover some of the shortfall but it will see some areas lose bus services and a reduced service for more.

Cllr Garth Harkness, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Saddleworth North, said: “Saddleworth has already experienced cuts in bus services to Dobcross, Diggle and Greenfield recently with First bus unwilling to engage with local members and local people.

“Cutting early morning services and evening services is not satisfactory at all. These proposals will see yet more cuts to services and no guarantees over reliability and capacity to cope.

“During the consultation for the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2020, Saddleworth & Lees District Executive in partnership with Saddleworth Parish council submitted a detailed account of the local transport needs and this proposal does the opposite. It will result in more isolation for the elderly and families without a car who rely on these buses.”

Transport for Greater Manchester has been consulting on a franchise scheme where it said Buses can be improved and Greater Manchester now has a chance to they say, “do buses differently”.

Mick Scholes, Local Liberal Democrat campaigner for Saddleworth South said:

“People use these services to get to work, school or college and the expected lack of reliability and reduction in service will make this extremely difficult for local people.”

The proposed cuts have serious implications for residents living on Saddleworth estates away from main roads.

Cllr Harkness has written to the chair of Transport for Greater Manchester.