FALLING passenger numbers have forced Network Warrington into cutting a number of services.

Council members attended an information briefing at the Town Hall last Thursday to inform them of the changes coming into force on September 5.

The 29A/C services covering Lingley Mere and Westbrook will be withdrawn, while parts of the 10C, which travels through Stockton Heath, and number 13 Westbrook and Chapelford route, will be removed.

But Network Warrington's managing director Damian Graham insists all the appropriate steps have been taken before coming to the decision.

He said: "We met with members to give them a short presentation and explain the reasons for the forthcoming changes to our bus services, which commence on September 5.

"The changes will see some routes being reinforced with additional journeys added due to high demand and some routes retimed to offer a co-ordinated timetable to provide a more balanced frequency of services.

"Unfortunately, due to falling patronage, services 29A/C will be withdrawn, together with poorly used sections of services 10C and 13.

"However, alternative Network Warrington services are available in the area. 

"I can assure you that all the changes have been analysed through the data provided by the on-bus ticket machine and reflect the high and low periods of demand for our services.

"The company, through its board and the executive directors, must ensure that we remain sustainable for the foreseeable future by constantly reviewing our network."

Council leader Terry O'Neill attended the Town Hall meeting but confirmed he is confident of what the future holds.

He said: "They are reassessing the services and putting extra ones in certain areas, it is not just about cut, cut and cut.

"It is about having a sustainable future for our bus company and ensuring it remains viable and profitable.

"It is a municipal bus company and hopefully it will remain as that for at least the next 20 to 30 years.

"My confidence stems from our ambitious plans that are coming to fruition.

"If we are delivering the Warrington West station, along with the Omega and town centre regeneration, then there should be more patronage on the buses.

"As long as they are a key partner in our ambitious plans I am hopeful of the future."

Network Warrington said the changes will be publicised two to three weeks before coming in.