Users press for better buses in the town (From Warrington Guardian)

Users press for better buses in the town

BUS services in Winsford have been slammed by residents and councillors.

Their complaints range from poorly maintained bus shelters to inadequate timetables.

Cheshire County Council is now being urged to look at the situation and bring standards in Winsford up to the levels in other parts of the county.

John Bennion, of Cheshire Bus Users' Group, said: "We are appalled at the services offered to people in Winsford.

"Every time I get the bus to Leighton Hospital I am having to help people on and off because the buses are not unsuitable. We need the lower deck buses.

"People in Winsford are getting a raw deal from the bus services Cheshire County Council is providing for them.

"Some bus shelters are in an appalling condition and with the opening of Grampian Country Foods there needs to be a vast improvement if employees are going to be able to get to work easily."

Des Worthington, Winsford town councillor, is supporting the calls for change.

He said: "Myself and Clr Peter Gannon have previously made applications to Cheshire County Council for Winsford to be given priority with other Cheshire towns.

"We also need a new bus station like the ones in Macclesfield and Congleton. Why are we the poor relation of Cheshire?

"We support Mr Bennion who believes Winsford is being seriously neglected by Cheshire County Council."

Harry Mooney, chairman of Winsford Pensioners' Association, feels a poor bus service can affect an elderly person's quality of life.

He said: "The last bus to Northwich is 7pm so a lot of pensioners who like to go out dancing or playing bingo can't.

"I have to walk 20 minutes to my nearest bus stop and with bags of shopping that is not easy.

"It is also dark at night so there's also the danger of being attacked."

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk