A VILLAGE which was facing being cut off because a bus service was set to be axed is celebrating after transport bosses made a U-turn.

The daytime number 2 service between Burnley and Worsthorne was due to stop running from next week, despite pressure from residents, councillors, the local school’s headteacher and Burnley’s MP Gordon Birtwistle.

But following a packed public meeting, held at Worsthorne Social Club, it was announced that Trasdev has reconsidered its decision.

Douglas Robertson, from Transdev, said: “We had the service originally and we deregistered it because financially it’s a fairly poorly performing service.

"The council considered it and decided they would not give it any financial support, so rather than see the village cut off we had a look and decided to put the service back on.

“We met with Gordon Birtwistle and representatives from the Worsthorne community, and there will now be no changes to the service or the timetable.

“We will be looking at the price structure and may put fares up to help the service to continue. We didn’t want to see an entire village cut off."

Louise Young, headteacher of Worsthorne Primary school, said the decision was 'fantastic news'.

She said: "It will be nice for our parents to know that before we break up for the summer so that they are not spending the summer worrying. It’s great to have a prompt response.”

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said: "Following the public meeting on Tuesday, I am pleased to tell you that I have now met with representatives from TransDev who in turn have had discussions with Lancashire County Council about the bus service from Pike Hill to Worsthorne.

“I can therefore now confirm that the service will continue in its existing format which I think is excellent news for people in the village.

“I’d like to thank County Councillor Margaret Brindle for her work on this issue as well as the numerous local people who lobbied TransDev and Lancashire County Council over this issue."

County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This is superb news for the local community as it means they will still be able to travel to Burnley and Nelson by bus during the day. These local services make a real difference to people's lives, particularly those who don't drive."