Villagers urged to use newly restored bus service

Tockholes is back on the bus network for the first time in many years

A rural community really needs to use its newly restored bus service in order for it to survive, a senior councillor has said.

Three new routes - including one which reconnects Tockholes to the bus network after many years - have been added as part of a £5.5m central government grant-funded transport scheme in Lancashire.

"It's something we've been discussing for years and so to see routes being reinstated that had to be lost due to funding cuts is a huge success," said Blackburn with Darwen Council deputy leader Quesir Mahmood.

"It's important that residents now utilise these services, otherwise the risk is that they won't be seen as sustainable."

Councillor Dave Smith, who represents Darwen West, said "many residents and Tockholes Parish Council" had complained about the service's removal eight years ago and lobbied for its return.

He said the new service was being provided by a not-for-profit enterprise called Travel Assist.

It receives funding from a government grant allocated to the council.

"We really hope the service can be supported by people living in Tockholes and Belmont," said Smith.