I’m delighted that funding through the Bus Service Improvement Plan will mean better services this summer for residents of Preesall, Knott End-on-Sea, Hambleton, and Stalmine.

The improvements include:

• a more frequent timetable
• larger vehicles to assist capacity concerns
• later Monday to Saturday evening journeys
• additional early evening Sunday journeys

Following my enquiries on improvement to local bus services, Lancashire County Council have updated me to advise:

“Most of local bus Service 5C, between Knott End, Poulton and Blackpool, is operated by Blackpool Transport on a commercial basis and outside the influence of the county council.

Although the weekend service timetable is supported with developer contributions through the county council, we appreciate that the current service provision on the route could be improved.

Most of local bus Service 5C, between Knott End, Poulton and Blackpool, is operated by Blackpool Transport on a commercial basis and outside the influence of the county council.

The county council, in partnership with Blackpool Council, is currently in discussion with Blackpool Transport in respect of introducing several enhancements, funded through our Bus Service Improvement Plan.

These proposals include re-introducing a more frequent timetable, larger vehicles to assist capacity concerns, later Monday to Saturday evening journeys and additional early evening Sunday journeys. 

It is anticipated that these enhancements will be introduced during mid to late summer, although, we are unable to confirm an exact date at this current time. This is because additional vehicles and drivers will be required and will need to be scheduled accordingly.

We will email you to advise as soon as an implementation date for the enhancements is confirmed, and Blackpool Transport will be publicising the new timetable to their customers.”

I’ve been proud to support better rural connectivity for years serving as your MP, especially upon securing 5C improvements in 2019

It’s fantastic to see some of the changes coming down the line on bus services from the Government, in particular reversing the Margaret Thatcher-era ban on councils setting up new municipal bus companies, allowing local ownership and control of bus services.

This is excellent news for residents who have been asking me for better bus services for many many months!

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