Anthorn to Carlisle bus passengers determined to keep the 93 route

Passengers are hoping Stagecoach's 93 service will continue

Passengers who use a rural bus service in north Cumbria say they will fight for it after doubt was cast on its future.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said the 93 route, between Anthorn and Carlisle, does not recoup its operating costs but it will stay "for the time being".

A subsidy to keep the route going was agreed between local councils last year but has since run out.

Passengers say the route, which links 17 villages, is much needed.

Last year it was announced that the route would end but that was resisted by campaigning residents.

In response, Carlisle City Council and Allerdale Borough Council each agreed to give £6,000 to support Stagecoach's 93 service.

The subsidy has now run out and both councils have since been abolished and replaced by the Cumberland unitary authority, which came into power in April.

The new council has received almost £2.5m of the government's Bus Service Improvement Plan funding, with discussions under way about how and where the money will be spent.

Margaret Campbell lives in Carlisle and a holiday lodge in Port Carlisle, which is on the 93 bus route

Margaret Campbell campaigned to keep the 93 service last year and insists it is still needed.

"There are 17 villages that use this bus services," she said, adding: "We have no shops, apart from Kirkbride. We have no post offices and very few social places like pubs.

"People in these villages need this service."

Kirkbride Primary School pupils were involved in last year's fight to keep the service and staff believe they will be keen to support another round of campaigning.

Teacher Anna Howe said: "The children are very passionate about raising the profile of this again.

"There will be more from the school about this as they will not let it lie."

Tom Waterhouse, Stagecoach's interim managing director in Cumbria and North Lancashire, said the bus is not currently carrying enough passengers to cover costs.

He said the company is hoping for a decision on whether funding can be provided to support the route by the end of the financial year.

A spokesman for Cumberland Council said the authority is working to preserve service levels.

"We remain committed to maintaining existing connections," the spokesperson said.