Minister defends Isle of Man bus timetable changes

The minister responsible for the Isle of Man's bus services has hit back at criticism over new timetables.

North Douglas MHKs John Houghton and Bill Henderson claim that services re-scheduled on 13 September are causing "severe inconvenience".

They have organised a public meeting later at the Manx Legion Club to discuss the changes.

Trade and industry minister David Cretney defended the changes saying they were in response to consultation.

'Tried and tested'

Mr Cretney said that he would not attend the meeting as he would deal with feedback and any complaints individually.

He said he had already changed the first weekday number eight service to run from Peel again, rather than St John's, in response to public demand.

He said he had also put on extra morning peak-time services from Port Jack and had re-instated the early service to Noble's Hospital from Anagh Coar.

Mr Cretney said: "There was really extensive consultation going back to when Adrian Earnshaw was minister

"Then there was further consultation earlier this year when we looked at all the suggestions that had been made and a number of modifications were made.

"A tried and tested government consultation process was used which was further extended in some areas to try and facilitate as many comments as possible."