A BUS route between Skipton and Preston has been saved after three councils clubbed together to pay the subsidy for a new company.

The 280 route faced the end of the line after its operator planned to drop it from its timetable last month.

In reaction to Rotala Preston Bus announcing it could no longer operate a commercial service, Pendle, Lancashire and Ribble Valley councils clubbed together to find cash to subsidise a new company to run it. On June 17, Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire took over the route, adding a stop in Earby.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “I am pleased our case has finally been listened to and this much needed direct service to Skipton has been reinstated. Many people in Earby study or work in Skipton and this new direct link will dramatically improve their daily commute.

“Service 280 will now serve Earby five times a day, six days a week in each direction. The new service also provides a direct link from Earby to Preston.”