A DIAL-A-RIDE bus service that has been run by the same company in Hyndburn for 26 years is to be put out to tender.

Accrington Inskip Enterprises has offered free transport on call to people with mobility problems since its origins as a voluntary organisation, the Inskip League of Friendship for Disabled Persons, in the 1980s.

It has three buses, largely funded by Lancashire County Council, which spends £1 million a year supporting community transport schemes.

But in line with EU regulations council bosses have put the service up for tender next month.

Tenders have also been issued for Rossendale’s Dial-A-Ride service and Burnley and Pendle, Ribble Valley, South Ribble and Chorley.

The new services will begin running in October Service users including Barbara Stuart, 76, from Great Harwood, have launched a petition to save the existing service and have already gathered hundreds of signatures.

The great-grandmother, who suffers from spine problems and arthritis, said: “They have been a reputable service for 26 years and a cheaper service is not going to be a better service.

“The buses we use take disabled people shopping, to visit relatives and friends, to bingo, dominoes and to church.

“Without this service a lot of people would never get out of the house.

"We don't want the council to find a cheaper replacement.

"It's about giving people the service they deserve.”

Norma Farmer, manager of Accrington Inskip Enterprises based in Avenue Parade, said she was concerned about the process.

She said: “Unless we can put in the lowest bid, which I very much doubt, then we will lose the service.”

Tony Moreton, Lanca-shire County Council head of passenger transport, said: “These services provide transport for people who would otherwise be unable to use public transport and are highly valued by users.

“We are now required by law to follow an open and transparent tendering procedure.”