LANCASHIRE County Council has signed up new transport operators to provide services in Burnley and Rossendale.

The Burnley BEST Dial-a-Ride taxi service and Rossendale Dial-a-Bus service were previously run by Community Wheels Ltd, but the Blackburn-based firm stopped providing both services last Monday after announcing plans to go into liquidation.

But the services will be out of action for just a week after new deals were agreed.

The county council agreed a contract with Burnley-based Crusader Cars to take over the Burnley BEST taxi service yesterday.

And Darwen and Blackburn Transport Services Ltd has started the Rossendale scheme.

Tim Gornall, group manager for bus services at Lancashire County Council, said: “We are delighted these two operators have come on board at such short notice to provide replacement services.

"We would apologise again for any inconvenience to customers who have been affected by the temporary loss of these services.”

People who use both services are being informed of the change of operators.

Members of the Burnley BEST scheme should call 01282 720340 to book their journeys from Monday and Rossendale Dial-a-Bus scheme members should call the booking line on 01254 873883.