A BUS route has been reinstated after the ‘vital’ service was scrapped.

The 23 and 23a route was axed by Warrington’s Own Buses, formerly Network Warrington, earlier this year.

But, following an outcry from bus users, the service has now been resurrected.

Hundreds of residents signed a petition against the 23 and 23a being scrapped - with claims that residents of Cinnamon Brow, Orange Grove and Avery Close had been ‘cut off’ from key services at Fearnhead Cross including Padgate Library, Fearnhead Cross Medical Centre, the mydentist dental practice and the Well Warrington pharmacy.

After receiving a number of complaints from concerned service users, Cllrs Diana and Graham Friend met with Warrington’s Own Buses chairman Cllr Cathy Mitchell, bus company managers and Warrington Borough Council officers in order to lobby to have the 23a route reinstated.

Cllr Diana Friend said: “It is really positive to see the new service operating, demonstrating the way that borough council and Warrington’s Own Buses listen to local residents.”

Cllr Graham Friend added: “We are pleased to have met with the council and the bus company to resolve this issue, and we hope that local residents will take advantage of the new service.”

Nearly 500 residents signed the petition, organised by affected pensioner Rose Corry.

The petition was then presented to council chief executive Steven Broomhead.

And the reintroduced 23a circular service will run from Insall Road to Orange Grove, Cinnamon Lane, Cinnamon Brow and Enfield Park Road.

A spokesman for Warrington’s Own Buses said: “We are committed to listening to customer feedback and I’m glad that, on this occasion, a workable solution could be found.”