PLANS by bus company Stagecoach to withdraw a 'vital service' from Nelson to Briercliffe and Harle Syke have been slammed by a Labour councillor.

The public transport giant has lodged proposals with Lancashire County Council to cancel the No 78 service from Nelson via Halifax Road and the two villages to Burnley - leaving residents with six weeks to put forward objections.

Pendle Labour councillor Roger Abbiss today hit out at the action and blamed Liberal council bosses for creating the headache by selling off the municipal bus company to Stagecoach.

He said services which had always existed were under threat, as predicted by opponents of the sale.

"What are the residents I represent around Halifax Road and Hibson Road in Nelson supposed to do? Walk or take a taxi? " David Halsall, Labour's candidate in next month's Burnley Briercliffe ward council by-election said: "When the Liberal Democrats sold the buses to Stagecoach in the face of a 13,000 strong petition, they said there would be no change in services.

"Their leader in Pendle is on record as having given that assurance.

"Now Briercliffe is to lose its main bus route and the Liberals must accept the burden of responsibility."

Mr Halsall said he would personally lodge an objection to county.

He added: "Stagecoach is the most profitable bus company in the country and could easily afford to continue this service.

"But profit maximising comes before public service with this firm, the Liberal Democrats' friend."

A Stagecoach spokesman at Preston said he would respond after looking into the matter.

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