More at https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/23531787.cheshire-west-cheshire-east-councils-secure-2-5m-bus-services/ Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East councils have successfully applied for a share of Bus Service Improvement Plan grants. This comes after Arriva closed two of its depots - Winsford and Macclesfield - cutting many services in towns across the county before alternative operators stepped in to save some routes. News of the successful application was given in Parliament after Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury posed the question to transport minister Richard Holden in Parliament. Mr Amesbury said the cash was insufficient but praised ‘people power’ for forcing Government to ‘cough up’. The Labour MP said: "While clearly nowhere near enough, it’s better than nothing, which is precisely what Cheshire West received in the last round. "Government support is desperately needed because the Tories’ free market bus system is not working. "Services have been lost in the Northwich and Runcorn parts of my constituency only recently." Transport minister Mr Holden told the Commons: "Every area which did not get Bus Service Improvement Plan money will be getting it this time, including across both Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester, and that’s going to account to over £2.4 million, almost £2.5 million, for the local authorities to help them with bus services." A campaign was launched following Arriva's decision to axe its Mid Cheshire services, with more than 7, 500 people signing Mr Amesbury's joint petition with CWAC leader Louise Gittins. He added: “I’ve raised the issue of the dire state of our bus services with ministers on numerous occasions, conveying the strength of feeling in our area. "Is the message slowly starting to seep through? I believe Government has coughed up thanks to people power and stakeholders like my councillor colleagues arguing forcefully on behalf of their communities.
