A bus service will no longer operate at key times for

commuters.

The numbers 14 and 15 buses to and from Clitheroe and Accrington, which used to run at regular intervals throughout the day, are now limited to 6.05am and 7.15pm. There is also a services for schools.

Disgruntled residents from the two towns have expressed concern, with some finding increased difficulty in making the journeys to and from work.

In a letter to Graham Jones, MP for Haslingden and Hyndburn, one resident said: “I work in Clitheroe and live in Accrington. As from next week I will no longer be able to get to and from work as Pilkington’s have decided to do away with service.

“I think this is absolutely ridiculous. I will now have to go to Blackburn, then get another bus to Clitheroe which adds another hour-and-a-half a day to my journey in the morning and evening.”

Previously funded by the county council, the service was taken over by Pilkington Bus Company when the council reduced its subsidy for local bus services. But Pilkington’s say the service is no longer viable and have decided to scrap it.

Mr Jones wrote to bus operator Transdev to ask if they could step in to assist, and received a disappointing response, which read: “Unfortunately it seems this [the service] has not proven viable for Pilkington’s.

“We have observed customer use of the service recently, and coupled with our own experience of running the service under contract to LCC a few years ago, concluded that it would not be viable for us either.”

When the decision to axe the service was first discussed, County Cllr Jenny Molineux, who represents the Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors ward, said the whole thing was disappointing and would put pressure on people who don’t have access to cars.

She said: “I think Lancashire County Council need to step up and try to subsidise the route again.” Pilkington Bus Company was contacted but declined to comment.