CLECKHEATON "HOPPER" BUS GETS FUNDING

12.43.00am GMT Wed 28th Nov 2007

Councillor Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton ward) has today welcomed the decision by Kirklees Council to provide some of the start up funding for the 'MetroLocal'. MetroLocal is the new "Hopper" bus service that will provide local links in Cleckheaton. The new service will start on 10 December.

Cleckheaton “hopper” bus gets funding

The service numbers, outline routes and days they will run are:

ML1 - Heckmondwike White Lee (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)

ML2 - Cleckheaton - Turnsteads (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

ML3 - Cleckheaton - Hunsworth (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

Councillor Andrew Pinnock, Lib Dem spokesman on transport, said: "I am delighted that the Liberal Democrat proposal for start up funds for this excellent new service has been agreed."

"Over the years bus companies have concentrated their services on to main roads and routes connecting major towns. The result of this has created much worse bus services in residential areas. The effect has been that many older and disabled people are unable to get about unless by taxi. I hope this new service will begin to plug those gaps and provide people with a lifeline."

Alongside central council funding there will also be support from the Spen Valley area committees. Metro have also received Department of Transport cash for five purpose built, fully accessible smaller buses which will provide transport, at peak times, for special needs education children.

Cllr Pinnock said: "This great success stems from the campaign I lead last year against the axing of yet more bus services. The 1000 people who signed our petition have been a big help in getting this new service started."