LABOUR MP Gordon Prentice has celebrated his first government job with a blistering attack on Stagecoach's handling of bus services in East Lancashire.

Mr Prentice, newly re-elected in Pendle, has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Transport Minister Gavin Strang. It is the first step on the ladder of government and involves being the eyes and ears of Cabinet Minister Mr Strang in the Commons at generally assisting him.

Within hours of his appointment, Mr Prentice was on his feet during Prime Minister's Questions expressing the fury of local people over cuts made by Stagecoach since it took over the former Pendle and Pendle municipal bus company and Hyndburn Transport.

School services have been hit, and many parents and teachers are anxious that children could miss their vital GCSE exams.

Mr Prentice told Prime Minister Tony Blair of the "indignation and outrage felt among bus passengers who have been left high and dry by Stagecoach."

He said: "Even as I speak, bus fares are going up, services are being cut, drivers are leaving in droves and the situation is in crisis."

Mr Blair said: "There are severe problems with the regulatory system at the moment.

"That is why the deputy Prime Minister is undertaking a review of bus regulation."

Mr Prentice said afterwards: "The Tories allowed Stagecoach to get away with blue murder."

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