MORE than 750 residents have signed a petition to save the town’s D4 Birch Hall bus service.

Last month operator Darwen Coach Services announced plans to axe the route, saying it was not commercially viable.

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Sunnyhurst Councillor Pete Hollings has since been in discussions with borough officers over what options are available to keep it running after July 27.

Now local resident and bus user Rebecca Smith of Hodder Grove has raised a petition with more than 750 signatures calling for the service, which runs hourly through Greenways Street and Lynwood Avenue up to Birch Hall and back, to be saved.

The 37-year-old said: “This is a vital service to many people and must be kept.

“There are a lot of people who cannot get out and about without it.

“We will send the petition to Blackburn with Darwen Council and have been contactedMP Jake Berry.”

Sudell Councillor Paul Browne said: “This is a vital service for many people and the borough should find some money to save it.”

Darwen Coach Services boss Peter Graham said he was prepared to tender for a twice a day service if the council subsidised it.