THE leaders of two boroughs are joining forces across party political lines to oppose Lancashire County Council’s proposals to close two transport information centres.

Ken Hind of Conservative Ribble Valley and Mohammed Iqbal of Labour-led Pendle will formally object to the plan to shut the ticket and timetable points at the Clitheroe and Nelson bus/rail interchanges to save money.

Yesterday the county council launched a consutlation running until Sunday, April 29 on the proposals to close the two centres along with their counterparts on Carnforth railway station and Preston bus station.

Cllrs Hind and Iqbal said the closures in their boroughs would hit users of public transport and damage their plans for economic growth in their boroughs.

Shutting the four centres would save the County Council £156,000 a year.

People can take part via the county council’s website or by picking up a questionnaire at the threatened information centres.

The county authority’s Conservative leader Cllr Geoff Driver said: “We’re committed to protecting services for the most vulnerable in our communities.

“However our financial position remains extremely challenging, with a forecasted funding gap of over £144m in 2021/22, which means we have to make some difficult decisions to balance the books.

“We know that many people value the services provided by these information centres. At the same time, train operating companies and bus operators work hard to make it easier for people to access information and buy tickets via machines at stations, and many people now choose to do this online.”

Cllr Hind said: “I and Ribble Valley Council will respond to the consultation by formally opposing the closure of Clitheroe information centre.

“We are seeking to grow our economy by attracting more tourists which these proposals will hinder by making it more difficult to use trains and buses to see our villages, historic buildings and beautiful countryside.

“The council wants more people to use public transport not fewer.”

Cllr Iqbal said: “I and Pendle Council will formally object. Closing the Nelson centre would make it more difficult to use buses and trains and hit passengers and Pendle hard.”

You can respond to the consultation at www.lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay or pick up a questionnaire from one of the centres.