SEVERAL bus services in Craven are being improved from Monday (April 8) following a review of subsidised bus services by North Yorkshire Council.

In North Craven, the bus service 11, which goes between Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Settle and Tosside will be extended to Slaidburn, in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, and Clitheroe, where it will connect with trains to and from Manchester. Buses, operated by 21 Transport, will run every two hours throughout the day on Monday to Saturday.

Many people were inconvenienced when the bus services from Skipton to Ilkley (route 64) and Skipton to Grassington (route 72) were reduced in May last year, so following many complaints an improved service is being reintroduced on both services.

Buses will now run mainly hourly throughout the day on service 64 to Ilkley on Monday to Saturday. The last bus back to Skipton will now leave Ilkley at 5.40pm on Monday to Friday and 5.5pm on Saturdays.

On Sundays and Bank Holidays Cravenlink services 864 and 873 continue running between Skipton and Ilkley with no changes. On service 72 from Skipton to Grassington, and on connecting minibus 72B from Grassington to Buckden/Hebden, the timetable which operated until May last year is being brought back. Most journeys on service 72 to Grassington will again call at Skipton Railway Station, passing Morrisons.

Timetables at: www.dalesbus.org