The South Lanarkshire Conservative group is campaigning to save a bus service in the Clydesdale area.
The 101/2 bus service which passes through Biggar is at potential risk of cancellation, and the party is taking action to try to save it.
The contract for the route was put out for tender in the spring but due to an 86 per cent increase in running costs from bidders Stagecoach, SWestrans decided this was untenable, leaving the bus service at risk.
Clydesdale East residents have protested at local bus stops in light of the news and constituents have expressed their concerns to elected members.
Scottish Conservative & Unionist group leader and councillor for Clydesdale East, Alex Allison has contacted thecChair of the SPT operations committee as a matter of urgency to attempt to ensure there is no break in service until a more permanent solution can be put in place.
He said: “This importance of local bus services in rural areas such as Clydesdale East cannot be emphasised enough. Any break in the 101 and 102 bus service would be disastrous for the local community.
“The South Lanarkshire Scottish Conservative group will continue to liaise with all parties concerned and fight to retain this vital transport link for the community. We also welcome the news that elected members from other political groups are also backing the retention of this service.”
The group have hopes to resolve the matter in the near future and counter the concerns of residents.
Protection of this bus service is also a concern for other parties, including South Lanarkshire Greens.
A petition has been created to save the 101/2 Edinburgh Dumfries bus service which connects rural communities in South Lanarkshire. To date, it has received more than 7000 signatures.
A spokesperson for the 101/102 service said: “SPT, Scottish Borders Council, and SWestrans as partners currently fund the 101 / 102 service and are aware of the concerns regarding its future. Following a procurement exercise, the proposed 86% increase in costs to continue the service as per the 2018 contract specification from August 2022 are unacceptable and far outweigh the available funding.
“The present funding partners are reviewing all available options, including communication with two additional local authorities which may be affected by displaced bus users should no suitable contract/operator be agreed.”
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here .
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Why not head to our page and give us a like and share.
