Some evening South Cheshire bus services saved from axe, says Cheshire East

Some evening bus services running in Crewe, Sandbach, Macclesfield, Middlewich and Congleton are being retained.

All subsidised evening services in Cheshire East were due to be axed in a bid to save £1.5 million in costs.

But the 6E, 8, 37 and 38 bus routes will continue to operate, the authority has confirmed.

The changes follow a widespread consultation, which resulted in a raft of positive developments to the supported bus network.

Council bosses claim the revised proposals, made after a 10-week consultation, would retain day-time buses for 99% of residents.

And it means the council will still make savings £1.1 million, but they say it 97% of subsidised services will be retained.

Monday to Saturday evening bus times for the 8 service, which runs from Sydney, Crewe, Wistaston and the 37 from Winsford to Sandbach, will remain the same.

The 6E service, which runs from Leighton Hospital to Shavington, will now finish after the hospital’s 8pm visiting time has ended.

The 38 Macclesfield-to-Crewe service via Congleton and Sandbach, which residents had thought would be finishing in the early evening, will continue with the same Monday to Saturday evening timetable.

The evening 8 service and part of the 38 service will be operated commercially.

For residents using more rural services in areas such as Bunbury, Bulkeley and Tiverton, the new 70 service will now run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through those villages.

Cllr Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for finance and communications, said: “I am pleased we have been able to retain evening services on these key routes.

“Our bus network is the lifeblood for many of our residents, whether it’s travelling to work or college, visiting relatives in our local hospitals or simply keeping in touch with friends and family.

“As an authority that is actively encouraging residents to live independent and longer, healthier lives, I am very pleased to be able to share this news today.”

The changes to Cheshire East’s bus services will be effective from April 1.