A CAMPAIGN to save a night bus service has been hailed a success.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling has spoken of her delight after the decision was made not to scrap the number 39 bus, which goes from Manchester to Leigh via Atherton.

The service, provided by First Manchester and subsidised by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), was set to be cut in January 2015.

After numerous enquiries by residents Ms Hilling decided to write to TfGM and encourage residents to give the transport body their views on the potential loss of the service.

The decision has now been made by First Manchester to provide the night bus on a wholly commercial basis.

Ms Hilling said: "I am very pleased First Manchester has taken the decision to run the number 39 on a commercial basis and a big thank you to Cllr Mark Aldred for all his work on the issue.

“The service is very popular and I don't want residents of Atherton being stranded in Manchester because they can't afford £35 for a taxi.”

The service may be replaced by the guided busway when it opens next September, but these plans have not been confirmed, according to First Manchester.

The bus company confirmed that although financial support for the service and the number eight service to Bolton via Pendlebury and Farnworth will end on January 25, the routes will continue to be operated by First on a commercial basis.

Head of commercial Ian Humphreys, from First in Greater Manchester, said: "We recognise the challenges faced by TfGM in the reduction of their bus services budget and have worked together to take on the Little Hulton, Leigh and Bolton night buses.

“This will mean customers can continue to use these great value night buses and take advantage of this safe and convenient way to get home on Friday and Saturday nights."