COUNCILLORS in Barnoldswick have stepped up their fight to extend evening bus services to Skipton.

Earlier this year, Barnoldswick Town Council asked Transdev to provide services beyond the "ridiculously early" last bus time of 7.20pm.

But councillors were told at a recent meeting that Transdev had no plans of put on later services.

Now councillors are seeking the support of Skipton Town Council to put more pressure on the bus company, which they say has a monopoly on the service.

“It’s a ridiculously early time for the last bus from Skipton,” said Cllr Richard Milner. “It affects people returning home from work and those having an evening out.

“The Keighley arm of Transdev has extended its evening service to 11pm and we think the Burnley and Pendle branch should do the same. Pennine used to provide later services and there’s clearly a demand.”

Barnoldswick Town Council resolved to repeat its request that Transdev provide later services and suggested a six-month trial to see how many passengers used the services.

Dave Parker, chief officer for Skipton Town Council, said: "Apart from one phone call, we haven't had any approaches from anyone about bus services, but I think it would be something the council would be more than happy to discuss.

"It's unlikely they would object to something that would improve bus services and people spending more time in Skipton.

"Bus services can make it difficult to come to Skipton by public transport. In the evening, there are very few bus services, apart from a late one that goes to Keighley."

Richard Jackson, development director at Transdev, said: "We need to ensure any new service we introduce will work for both us and our customers, so a great deal of analysis needs to take place, including research with passengers, before we introduce any changes.

"Whilst we don’t have any immediate plans this year, we are currently analysing buses in the area and will be looking to enhance our services in the first half of 2016.

"We continually review our services for our customers and have indeed just extended our Witchway service until 3am on Saturdays for revellers coming back from Manchester. We have also just invested in our 66 service between Keighley and Skipton, introducing a greater frequency and later buses."

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Craven Herald, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.