Today I was at a meeting with Royce Franklin, Alan Roughley, Nikki Kirkham, Debbie Abrahams MP and a group of residents where we met with Transport for Greater Manchester and First Bus relating to the reduction in the 184 bus service.

There is some positive news. One of the concerns for parents was the 7.30 am. service being withdrawn in particular for school and college students.  Transport for Greater Manchester have agreed to fill the gap during term time the 558 service which currently serves Delph/ Uppermill to Blue Coat school will serve Diggle and also serve Dobcross.  The service will leave Diggle at 7.30am and arrive at Blue Coat school at 8.30am (More details will emerge soon) .

We understand that this service will be public and so will be open for people to use it for college too. Children are encouraged to use register for the IGO pass http://igo.tfgm.com/

The return service will be a yellow bus (Y23) so can only be used by students who hold a yellow school bus pass details : http://www.tfgm.com/buses/yellowschoolbus/Pages/default.aspx. This would leave Blue Coat school at 15.35 and return by 16.00.

This is good news and will alleviate problems for some. It has been an excellent example of working together across political persuasions and with residents to get a positive result. It is pleasing that Transport for Greater Manchester and First have listened and responded to genuine concerns to mitigate some of the concerns.

There is an issue with the turning circle in Diggle and the Saddleworth North Oldham borough Councillors aim to work together to lobby Oldham council into addressing these issues.  We expect that this service will begin in September for term time.

Some will still be disappointed. The decision to axe services is a commercial decision.  My request to re-route the Huddersfield service through Dobcross has currently been discounted. The bus company are concerned with the safety of double decker’s going through Dobcross and inconsiderate parking causing considerable difficulties. The suggestion of enhancing the 353/4 service to serve Diggle will be looked at as part of a review. I will continue to work to push for improvements and reinstatement of the bus service and push for an integrated transport system.

Regards

Garth