BUS wars have broken out on a lucrative route through East Lancashire.

Accrington-based Pilkingtons are challenging Rossendale Transport, Stagecoach and GM Buses on the route between Bacup and Accrington.

The company launched a half-hourly Pilky Bus service through Rossendale last Monday undercutting rivals' fares. Since then, Rossendale Transport has brought three extra buses on to the route.

Bemused passengers claim they have seen as many as five buses at a stop at once.

Ray Pilkington, owner of Pilkingtons, said he decided to run the half-hourly service in addition to school buses the company operates to All Saints' High School and St Mary's Junior School in Rawtenstall.

He said: "We are undercutting rivals' fares but we are charging what we consider to be the normal East Lancashire rate." Bacup to Accrington on a Pilky Bus is £1.60, compared with £1.85 on other buses. Rivals claim the Accrington company can afford to charge less because it does not operate so early in the morning or so late at night when buses are less crowded.

Mr Pilkington claimed attempts had been made to block his buses in.

He said: "People like our buses and someone travelling every day from Bacup right through to Blackburn can buy a weekly ticket for only £9.20. We are telling passengers who like our service to use it or lose it."

Rossendale Transport bosses deny they are becoming involved in a passenger battle.

Managing director Edgar Oldham said: "Because of major road and bridge works in the Bacup area, bus services are being disrupted.

"It was decided before Christmas therefore to increase the frequency to regulate services to our passengers.

"I was quite surprised when another operator came on to this route as it was already being served by three operators.

"Our drivers are running to their timetables and are not involved in intimidating other operators' drivers."

Three years ago rivalry between Stagecoach and Burnley and Pendle Transport on the Pendle to Manchester route through Rawtenstall, led to fares being slashed to less than £1 return.

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