A Lanarkshire councillor has hit out following the news that a vital Motherwell bus route could be discontinued by the end of this week.
The 244 service for the North Lodge area of the town is one of five bus routes in North Lanarkshire that could be cut.
It has emerged that First Bus, who are contracted by SPT to deliver the 244 is withdrawing from running the service.
This means that unless a new contractor is in place by February 5, the bus route will cease operations, at least for a period.
Scottish Conservative councillor for the Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig ward, Nathan Wilson, said: “The recent announcement on the 244 is very disappointing and to lose the service from North Lodge would be a huge blow.
“There are many elderly residents living in this part of Motherwell and the 244 provides a vital transportation link to support local people with day-to-day activities.
“The potential removal of the service is a serious concern and it would have a very real detrimental impact on the availability of public transport for my constituents.
“I have written to SPT to highlight the need to maintain the local bus route and to pursue all options to achieve this goal.
“I hope as I understand is the objective that a new contractor for the service can be in place soon and to avoid the possible scenario where what starts out as no more than a temporary removal of a bus route can unintentionally become permanent.”
The other bus routes affected are: 93 Coltness - Wishaw - Netherton; 193 Parkside - Pather; 210 Wishaw General Hospital - Law - Carluke and 251 Larkhall - Wishaw General Hospital.
An SPT spokesperson added: “Despite receiving financial network support grant from government, First has advised SPT that it is withdrawing a number of key services across the region.
"This is very disappointing as a number of these services are contracted SPT supported services.
“We are currently engaged in a number of procurement exercises to find new contractors to maintain these service for passengers.”
A First spokesperson said: “We can confirm our involvement in the operation of services 93, 193, 210, 244 and 251 comes to an end on February 4.”
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