It has recently emerged that Rossendale buses and “Transport for Greater Manchester” are planning to withdraw this vital bus service from Affetside.

Over the past few weeks, the many local around Affetside have been campaigning against this move.  Cllr Yvonne Wright and I have surveyed many residents and we are still compiling a list of who uses it.  Our latest estimate is well over 30%.

Local resident, Joanne Wilcock, has been hard at work in putting together 3 Options that could be suggested to TFGM in order to save the bus service.  These are :-

Option 1 would have the 480 bus pass through Affetside and Harwood and return up Bradshaw Road to continue its route as per the porposal on 1st Aug (through Hawkshaw and Greenmount to Bury). This would need two buses going in opposite directions.

Option 2 would have the 480 bus pass through Affetside and Harwood and then turn left at the end of Tottington Road at the Seven Stars to connect Ainsworth where there is a bus turnaround. It could then retrace its steps to Affetside and continue as above. Again Bolton passengers would need to change at Harwood onto the 507

Option 3 is for either the Rossendale 480 or the FIRST bus 469 that currently terminates in Tottington to come up Turton Road , pass through Affetside and Harwood and then turn around to retrace its steps at the BRADSHAW turnaround near to St Maxentius Church. Passengers for Bolton again could change at Harwood.

 

It is our understanding that Cllr Noel Bayley who represents Bury Council on Transport for Greater Manchester has been made aware of these suggestions and will present them to TFGM shortly.  Let’s hope TFGM and Rossendale buses adopt one of these options!