PUBLIC Transport for working people and those socialising at the weekend is under threat.

A number of Atherton residents have been in touch with me regarding the loss of the late night No. 39 Bus from Manchester to Leigh — via Tyldesley and Atherton. The service, provided by First Manchester and subsidised by TFGM, is set to be cut in January 2015. The No. 39 is said to be a non-profitable service and the provider has decided to slash those bus services that run from 12,30am — 3.30am on Saturday and Sunday mornings. However, I know many residents of all ages in my constituency who use the service and it is seen to be a very popular travel option for residents who work late in Manchester and those who are just simply enjoying their weekend. The service is set to be replaced in September 2015 by the Guided Busway — but that's nine months after the No. 39 gets cut. Why force those residents and commuters to get other transport when we have a very popular service in place already? I am very concerned this will hit our local economy and put people's jobs at risk. I have therefore written to Transport for Greater Manchester to ask them to act now to save the service. This may not be enough, so today I am urging my constituents in Atherton, as well as residents along the route, who want to see the service stay to also write to TFGM and join me in calling for the No. 39 to stay. We are currently suffering the disruption of the building of the busway, it's not much to ask to retain our night-bus until the busway provides a night service. Time is short, so please join me in working to save our local bus service.

Julie Hilling MP

Member of Parliament Bolton West