BUS travellers across the town have hit out at Network Warrington for going against its 'duty' following the withdrawal of a number of services.

The operator brought in the controversial changes on Monday, which has led to the revision of all evening services, with many routes changed or taken off the timetable altogether.

Although the issue is widespread across the town, angry travellers from areas including Appleton, Birchwood, Latchford have been in touch with the Warrington Guardian to speak of the 'shocking' effect of the measures.

One resident to criticise the decision from Network Warrington bosses is Patrick Mullee, aged 67, from Stockton Heath, who along with Brian Boys, and 10 friends, relied on the 22.49 8E service from Appleton Village Hall every Saturday night.

"They can't do this - there was no public consultation made known to us or anything," he said.

"We rely on the late night service and I have tried in vain to explain this but I have got nowhere.

"I also asked him to consider instead of terminating the last bus at Appleton Thorn, why not run it to the Cat and Lion pub and return via London Road - that way everyone is happy.

"That would only be an extra mile but all I was told is that it would cost too much. They should not be cutting the service, as the operator it is a duty to provide these services to people."

Aside from travellers who have used the services in the town for years, the matter is set to have an impact of students at the University of Chester's campus in Fearnhead.

Initially, it was the number 25 service which ran past the campus but the changes have seen a new 28E service come into play, but it has slightly altered its Crab Lane stop off point - causing concern among students.

"The change of the bus stop to the ‘Crab Lane, Locking Stumps Lane’ stop has led to a lot of confusion amongst students about where it is that they have to get the bus from," said student union vice president, Tom Little.

"As the changes have only been in place since Monday the students haven’t felt much of an impact yet however it has caused worry about employment within the centre of Warrington - are they going to be able to continue due to changed bus times?"

The council has offered a glimmer of hope to travellers in need after announcing the matter is firmly on the agenda.

“The local bus strategy for Warrington is to shortly be considered by the council's executive board and includes how the local bus budget will be allocated," said a council spokesman.

Network Warrington have said the changes are a result of a steady decline in evening services and are 'designed to provide efficiencies'.

For further information visit www.networkwarrington.co.uk.