MAY I thank Mr Ray Pilkington, of Pilkington's Coaches, for all his help in creating a cross-town bus service in Accrington.

This came as a result of complaints at Laneside Residents' Association's July meeting regarding a poor service in the afternoon (this being the Laneside and Barnfield circular).

As a local councillor, I was only too pleased to approach Pilkington's Coaches on their behalf. Mr Pilkington was only too pleased to meet us and arrange a bus service.

The service started on September 1, with an extension to the existing service to cover York Street, Lupin Road, Lancaster and Gloucester Avenues, Queens Road, Dill Hill, Buckingham Grove, Riding Barn Street to Matalan, the new Lidl store and Asda, not forgetting Accrington Victoria Hospital - all now available on one route, thanks to Pilkington's Coaches.

I have been reassured that the drivers will help passengers on and off the buses. Good reports have already been received from members of the Milnshaw Residents' Association for this service.

It's time to support the local operator who knows the local needs. Congratulations, Ray, on a wonderful new service.

To the fare-paying public, I say you now have a cross-town service from 7.15am till 7.15pm - use it or lose it.

COUN JOHN WELLS, St Leger Court, Accrington.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.