COUNCILLORS in Rossendale have called for an evening bus service that links the borough with Greater Manchester to be saved.

The late evening 464 service linking Accrington with Rochdale is set to be shelved on May 29 as part of cost-cutting measures by Lancashire County Council.

But Rossendale Council has asked transport chiefs at Lancashire County Council to continue the service for two months to try and find a solution to cutting the evening service.

Councillors in Rossendale have formed a cross-party working group to look at the planned cancellation of the service.

They said they had “serious concerns” over Lancashire County Council’s decision to withdraw funding for the evening service.

Coun Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council, said: “We are very, very concerned and want to do what we can to ensure the service is continued.

“This will have an impact on a lot of people in Rossendale.

“People who work shifts could be forced into unemployment if they have to get taxis back from work.

“Hospital visits will be a real issue as so many services have moved towards Oldham and Rochdale.

“People from Bacup and Whitworth won’t be able to get home after hospital visits.”

She added: “We have asked Lancashire County Council to look at the issue with some urgency.

“We believe something can be done to continue this service.”

Pensioner Alison Bradley, from Waterfoot, launched a campaign earlier this month to save the service.

The 64-year-old started a petition which has so far been signed by more than 200 people.