A THREATENED bus service in Edgworth could be saved after a local MP launched a campaign to stop it being axed as part of cost-cutting plans.

The Arriva 537 service, which runs hourly between Bolton and Edgworth, will terminate at Bromley Cross from October 27 due to falling passenger numbers, Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry has intervened, though, and he, Cllr Colin Rigby and 30 local residents delivered leaflets in the village over the weekend to raise awareness of the impending closure.

Mr Berry said: “It’s really important that Edgworth has a decent bus service and that’s why I’m doing everything I can to make sure we keep it.

“It’s a vital lifeline for the communities of Edgworth, Chapeltown, Turton and surrounding rural areas.

“I would like to encourage everyone to support our campaign to save Edgworth bus service by signing our petition, which is at www.saveourbus.tk.”

Arriva bosses explained their decision to cut the service by saying that not enough people used it between Bromley Cross and Edgworth for them to cover costs.

Bus users from Turton and Edgworth have voiced concerns that losing the service may cut off crucial access to markets, hospitals and health centres for the elderly, who may be unable to afford a taxi instead.

Arriva’s 538 service, which currently goes to Sharples, will be extended to Egerton. It will no longer call at Sharples because the revamped 537 route will do so instead.

Arriva apologised for the changes but said it could not run an unsupported service.

Mr Berry will present his petition to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council later this week.