AN investigation is to take place on how bus companies inform passengers about planned service cuts.

The move follows the loss of services between Keighley and Skipton, which left villagers in Cononley, Kildwick and Farnhill without a bus service for large chunks of the day.

Now North Yorkshire County Council is to carry out a full investigation. The transport and telecommunications overview and scrutiny committee will carry out the inquiry and report back to the full council in July.

At the council's annual meeting, Aire Valley with Lothersdale councillor, Mark Wheeler, expressed concerns about the lack of consultation carried out by bus companies.

"Local councillors and parish councils were not consulted about changes to the Keighley to Skipton service. Many local residents only found out about the changes from conversations with drivers and were very shocked," he said.

Keighley and District Buses made changes to its A66 and A66A services between Keighley and Skipton at the end of last month.

It said the services were underused and buses suffered from difficult routes.

After Wednesday's meeting, Coun Wheeler said he welcomed the investigation.

"There needs to be general consultation with the parishes -that would be a big step forward. Whatever the bus companies say, at the moment, there is no consultation," he added.