A DECISION by public transport bosses to scrap most of Rawtenstall’s direct bus links with Bolton has been greeted with dismay.

Rosso, the former Rossendale Bus, has announced that it will be withdrawing from the 273 route, except for four morning and evening services, because of changes in subsidies.

And Transport for Greater Manchester has also confirmed that it will also be axing the Sunday services it provides, from October 26.

Bus passengers could still travel between the two towns – but would face a wait while they change buses at Bury Interchange.

Coun Darryl Smith, Rossendale’s Conservative group leader, said: “This is really, really disappointing, to be honest. The direct route to Bolton has been running all of my life and I recall the Red Ribble buses that used to operate along there. There will also be regular users who will be disappointed, I’m sure.

“I know of one lady who used to get up very early so that she could catch one particular service to Bolton Market and it is usually older people who lose out in these circumstances.”

County council transport officials have said that they will continue to subsidise the leg of the route operating between Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom.

Boomerang Travel will operate an hourly service between the two towns, Monday to Saturday daytimes, also from October 26. A Rosso spokesman said: “Currently the service is partially subsidised by Lancashire County Council and Transport for Greater Manchester but changes to the contractual arrangements mean that the service is no longer viable for us to operate.”

The schoolday 7.15am service will still run from Rawtenstall to Bolton, with returns at 5.18pm and 6.18pm.

The 8.25am Saturday bus has also been saved, along with the same two return legs.