THREATENED school bus services in Blackpool have been saved -- thanks to a U-turn by Blackpool Transport.

The stay of execution came after talks between Blackpool Borough Council and the bus company on Monday (March 12) to save the loss-making services.

Reports that the company wanted to axe five services sparked a huge outcry from residents and even schoolchildren themselves.

The routes in question run from Poulton to St Mary's High School, Preston Old Road to Bispham High School and from Starr Gate, Mereside and Poulton to Collegiate High. They are currently costing the company £1,000 a week.

But the buses will now continue running until the end of the school term in July.

Council leader Coun George Bancroft said the five routes are well-used and it was thought they did not need subsidising.

He said: "It got out of hand. There was never any danger to those services but the bus company discovered it is costing them money so they notified us."

The decision will also give the council's education and transportation departments more time to review school transport provision and the council will then look at the most cost-effective options.

Tony Depledge, managing director of Blackpool Transport Services, said: "It's unfortunate that there were reports that the services would be withdrawn before the issue had been fully resolved.

"This interim agreement, whereby the losses are shared jointly between the council and the bus company, offers a way forward that safeguards these important services for the immediate future, while recognising that in the longer term they will need to be adequately supported."