A VITAL village bus link to Bolton has been saved after council bosses agreed to subsidise a replacement service.

Arriva announced its decision to axe the 537 service from Edgworth to Bolton in a move that would see it terminate at Bromley Cross from the end of this month.

A petition, signed by 700 people, was sent to the company and leaflets and posters were distributed around the area.

Now, after negotiations with Blackburn with Darwen Council, Darwen Coaches will extend its Darwen to Edgworth service to go as far as Bromley Cross.

The service will initially operate until March, when it will be reviewed.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for regeneration, Cllr Maureen Bateson, said: “The council recognises the importance of local public transport, and despite the financial constraints, we have agreed to find an additional subsidy to provide an extension to the existing subsidised rural minibus, service 37, from Darwen to Edgworth, which will now also serve Bromley Cross. This service will operate Monday to Fridays for an initial period to the end of March, where it will be part of a wider review of other subsidised services.

“The decision to withdraw the Arriva 537 Bolton to Edgworth bus service was made by Arriva for commercial reasons.

“However, as soon as we found out, we worked closely with other local bus operators to find an interim solution for the residents of Edgworth and we continue to have ongoing discussions.”

Darwen MP Jake Berry added: “It is really important that Edgworth has a decent bus service and I am delighted with this outcome.”