The former 236 bus route connecting Ramsbottom and Bolton could be reinstated, with services potentially starting at the end of November if approved. The move, being considered by Lancashire councils, would see the previous route brought back into use.
The service would start in the Lancashire town of Rawtenstall and run through to Bolton, stopping off in Ramsbottom along the way. If signed off, it would be expected to run every two hours on Mondays through to Saturdays.
Residents welcome the news
The move to restore the 236 has been welcomed by residents in Ramsbottom, who say they will also benefit from the new connection into Bolton. Currently, those travelling between the two towns have to change buses in Bury.
One resident said it was 'great news', adding they 'hope it actually happens'. A second person said: “Hopefully this will happen. It's ridiculous that at the moment if you live in the Holcombe Brook area of Ramsbottom you can only go to Bury. With this you can go to Bolton and Rawtenstall.” A third simply said: “Finally!”
Concerns over frequency
Others felt the lack of frequency would mean the renewed route would not 'make it convenient', however, and questioned whether it would remain in place in the long term.
A consultation on the new route, as well as new connections between Bolton and Blackburn and Bolton and Darwen, is now live on the Lancashire Combined County Authority's website. Residents are able to have their say until Tuesday, September 15.
