MERSEYTRAVEL has come to the rescue of two St Helens communities hit by the loss of bus services.

Moss Bank this week saw the start of a new hourly daytime link between Carr Mill and St Helens town centre.

It follows the withdrawal of the 29 service by Town Flyer in December.

The service is an extension of the existing 197 service, operated on behalf of Merseytravel by South Lancs Transport.

And Clock Face will benefit from the introduction of service 140, operated on behalf of Merseytravel by Nip-On Transport.

The new link - which replaces another withdrawn commercial service - serves medical and shopping facilities between Clock Face and St Helens.

Merseytravel's local Councillors Dave Craig and Jack Mealor said the service would provide links for otherwise isolated communities.

"Merseytravel has stepped in to plug the gaps left by the shortcomings of bus deregulation," said Councillor Craig.

"These links have been introduced as swiftly as possible to minimise the disruption caused to people's lives," added Councillor Mealor.

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