Bus cuts – Appeal for help

At the end of July 2023, the 60-bus service between Skinburness and Maryport operated by Ellenvale Coaches came to an end due to low passenger numbers and rising costs. The 400-bus operated by Stagecoach was still travelling up Skinburness at the start and end of each day which only really benefitted those using the service to get to work. But in October, we then received news that the morning and evening 400 service would no longer be travelling up to Skinburness. This now means that, following the withdrawal of the 60-bus service, residents of Skinburness have no bus service at all and are completely cut off.

The Town Council has contacted Cumberland Council and also spoken to Mark Fryer, Leader and Lisa Brown, Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council about the cuts.  We have also been in touch with our local MP Mark Jenkinson and contact has been made with both bus operators.

The Government is providing considerable funding through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP+) to councils across the UK, to improve, subsidise and revive bus services. Cumberland Council is set to receive £464,743 of funding which is to be spent over a two-year period. This government funding could be used to save our local bus services by reinstating the 60-bus service and working with Stagecoach to extend the 400 journeys during the daytime to serve Skinburness.

If you have been directly affected by the recent cuts to our local bus services, whether it be for getting to work, going shopping, attending medical appointments or visiting family etc, we would encourage you to get in touch with Cumberland Council to let them know how it has affected you.  More evidence is needed to prove there is a need for these services to be reinstated. We need your help and encourage you to contact the following:

Cllr. Tony Markley, Cumberland Councillor – Email: tony.markley@cumberland.gov.uk

Graeme Innes, Infrastructure Planning Manager at Cumberland Council – Email: graeme.innes@cumberland.gov.uk

Cllr. Denise Rollo, Chair of the Highways and Transport Strategic Board at Cumberland Council – Email: denise.rollo@cumberland.gov.uk