PASSENGERS affected by the closure of a Bolton bus link now have another reason to celebrate.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is extending the East Bolton Local Link to run to the Chapeltown Road area of Bromley Cross.

The move is a response to Arriva’s decision last month to axe its 537 service from Bolton to Edgworth, which now ends in Bromley Cross.

This new service will be available to all Chapeltown Road residents within the Greater Manchester boundary.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has extended its Darwen to Edgworth service to Bromley Cross, so people can link up with buses into Bolton.

But because this service’s route differs to the old 537 route, TfGM bosses say people in certain areas have been left without a bus service link.

The door-to-door East Bolton Local Link runs daily from 6am to 10pm, with people able to book the service by phone up to one hour before travelling.

Cllr Mark Aldred, vice-chairman of the TfGM committee, said: “Local Link is an affordable, easy- to-use way to get around and I’m pleased to see it extended to the Chapeltown Road area. People can use it to link up with other bus services running from the Bolton Interchange, opening up even more travel opportunities.”

East Bolton Local Link already runs to Back o’th’ Bank, Breightmet, Bradshaw, Darcy Lever, Hall i’th’ Wood, Harwood, Harwood Lee, Mill Hill, Rose Hill, Tonge Moor and Top o’th’ Brow.

Passengers can travel anywhere in the East Bolton service area, including to Bolton Interchange, Royal Bolton Hospital and Bolton Community College.

TfGM will be publicising the service with leaflets locally and more information is available at tfgm.com/locallink or by calling 01204 364 566 and asking for East Bolton Local Link.

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

Arriva made the decision to withdraw the 537 Bolton to Edgworth service for “commercial reasons”.