Stagecoach to take over Northampton 59/60 bus route after Uno pull out

Stagecoach will operate the 59/60 route from 11 March

A new bus company will take over a route that was due to stop after the previous operator pulled out.

The 59/60 bus runs along the A5199 corridor between Northampton and Market Harborough, stopping in Guilsborough and Welford.

Bus operator Uno said from 11 March it would no longer operate the council funded service.

West Northamptonshire Council said Stagecoach would take over.

Uno currently runs four routes in Northamptonshire. But after the University of Northampton decided to partner with Stagecoach for three of the routes, Uno decided to withdraw from all services in the county.

Uno currently runs the 59/60 bus between Northampton and Market Harborough

The authority said it would worked closely with operators to ensure there was "no break in this service".

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Bus travellers had previously said the route was a "lifeline to them".

Anna Hughes, 72, from Creaton, said she relied on the bus to go out twice a week, as she can no longer drive due to sight loss.

She said the service was the "only lifeline I have to anything outside".

"I need the bus because I can't exist just living in a little village," she said.

The bus routes stops at several Northamptonshire villages, including Welford

Mary Bushell, 77, from Welford, said: "It keeps us independent.

"If we didn't have the bus it would be awful, it would be dreadful, we would be stuck in the village."

Phil Larratt, Conservative cabinet member for environment, transport, highways and waste at the Conservative controlled council, said: "This service provides essential connectivity for residents, shoppers and local students, and it is great news that there will be a smooth continuation and no gap in buses running."