MP PETER PIKE and Burnley council bosses are seeking an early meeting with bus operator Stagecoach over the company's plan to sell off its East Lancashire network.

Mr Pike today expressed grave concern over the proposed disposal of Stagecoach Ribble depots in Burnley, Blackburn, Clitheroe and Bolton top Harrogate-based Blazefield Holdings -- leaving 600 workers facing an uncertain future.

The proposed disposal, revealed in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph on Tuesday, would include the former Burnley and Pendle Bus Company set up, bought from the local councils by Stagecoach five years ago.

Burnley council leader Stuart Caddy, who resigned from the council when it decided to follow Pendle's lead and sell its 50 per cent stake to the company, said all his worst fears over jobs and services were being confirmed.

He added: "There have been a number of problems with Stagecoach since they took over and this is another depressing development.

"We will be pressing for information from the company and assurances on jobs and services."

Mr Pike said: "We need to know what guarantees are given for the future bus services and the depot; what guarantees are given for workers and what has happened to the new buses that seem to have disappeared."

Mr Pike said he regretted the disposal of the then Liberal-controlled Pendle council of its stake in the bus company.

"Burnley council were put in a position where they were finally forced to be reluctant sellers."

He added: "Burnley has seen a deteriorating bus service and not only that provided by Stagecoach. Some of the local buses running around the area are quite appalling."

He added: "I have Stagecoach to say just what is happening and have also asked for the council's views on the position as a matter of urgency."

Coun Caddy said Burnley council would fully support the MP in his efforts.