Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley, has urged Lancashire County Council to do everything in its power to reinstate the 280 bus service which links Preston to Skipton.

Preston Bus, the firm currently running the service, has announced that it will be de-registering the 280 service on 17th June this year. Preston Bus have struggled to make the route commercially viable after securing the contract in 2016, the route covers the length of the Ribble Valley, including several rural communities.

The contract has been put up for tender and other local providers have been invited to make bids, however, there is no assurance that bids will be received.

Speaking about the de-registration of the 280 bus, Mr Evans said:“The 280 service is a vital service which runs right through the heart of the Ribble Valley, linking thecentre of Lancashire to Yorkshire. Perhaps more importantly, it serves rural populations that have dire need for regular services to reach their place of work, college or university.”

In the days since Preston Bus announced it was de-registering the service I have received numerous emails from my constituents to inform me of the impact the loss of the service will have on their lives. I will be urging Lancashire County Council in the strongest possible terms to find a solution which would secure the long-term future of the much- loved 280 route.

I ask all users of the 280 Bus Service to complete the on-line petition on the Lancashire County Council Web-Site so that we can demonstrate the strength of feeling that exists to retain the service:

Sign the ePetition to Retain the 280 Preston to Clitheroe to Skipton bus service

http://council.lancashire.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=237&RPID=15903120&HPID=15903120&