Expansion boost for bus services

Some services between key towns will be reintroduced

Bus services in part of Cumbria are set to be revamped and expanded, Cumberland Council has announced.

The authority has received £2.4m of the government's Bus Service Improvement Plan funding to create a more "sustainable and convenient" network.

Some services between key towns will be reintroduced, and there will be improved frequency on others.

Views from the public are also being sought on preferred destinations and travel times for rural routes, for planned developments in the autumn.

Improvements include the reintroduction of the key Silloth to Maryport route, increased frequency on the Workington to Carlisle one, and a new service between Maryport and Workington via Dearham and Broughton Moor.

A route between Cleator Moor and Whitehaven hospital will "provide dependable transport to essential services, with a special focus on accommodating passengers with mobility needs".

The council is working in partnership with Stagecoach on the new developments.

Labour's Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient, and connected places, said: "Together, we’re driving forward our commitment to a greener, more connected, and vibrant Cumberland."