A TOWN'S residents have complained to their MP about a Stagecoach decision to cut them out of a major express bus route.

In future people who live in Barnoldswick will have to travel to Colne to pick up the popular X43 Manchester service, and Gordon Prentice is pressing the company for a change of heart.

The MP, who lives in the town, says he has had a large number of calls from constituents on the issue.

He said: "This all boils down to money.

"It is a well known fact that some of the rural routes are not money-spinners for bus operators, but there should still be an obligation on their part to provide a comprehensive service for all passengers.

"I know that for many people buses are a lifeline an we should do all we can to ensure that people are able to travel easily to where they need to go."

He said the withdrawal of the local service would mean extra journeys for Barnoldswick people travelling to and from Manchester.

"I know that some of my more elderly constituents find this disruption to their journey more than a bit inconvenient."

The MP added he will also be in touch with Lancashire County Council to see if the authority will include the Barnoldswick link on its list of subsidised routes.