Sandbach councillors have reacted angrily to news that Arriva North West is planning to close two depots and cut bus services.

Arriva North West has announced it is consulting with employees on plans to close its Winsford and Macclesfield depots.

The move, if confirmed, would see the shutting of the depots. It would mean services to parts of Cheshire East, including Sandbach, Macclesfield and Crewe, would be scrapped.

Cllr Laura Crane (Photo: Cheshire East Council)

Councillor Laura Crane, a Sandbach councillor and deputy chair of the Highways and Transport committee said she was "disappointed" and "frustrated" with the news

"This is more evidence of a broken system," she said. "Bus companies only run the profitable routes and let the others disappear.

"The 37 and 38 are not making a profit as less people use them post Covid so I'll be working with Cheshire East and Sandbach Town councils to see whether we can provide financial support to keep this vital service available to our town."

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Arriva say both depots have been loss-making since before the pandemic and the number of journeys taken by passengers in the areas served by the depots has not recovered to the same levels as comparable operations following the pandemic.

They also say the bus sector is facing sustained and significant cost inflation meaning that revenue from the operations doesn't cover the costs of running the operations.

Cllr Sam Corcoran (Photo: Cheshire East Council)

The leader of Cheshire East, Cllr Sam Corcoran, a Sandbach councillor, has urged residents to sign a petition to stop plans to close bus depots in Macclesfield and Northwich. The petition is here: https://www.change.org/p/stop-arriva-s-plans-to-cut-buses-from-winsford-northwich?recruiter=11830648&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition

Cllr Nicola Cook (Photo: Sandbach Town Council)

And Sandbach town councillor, Cllr Nicola Cook, has also launched a petition,   https://www.change.org/p/stop-arriva-buses-from-cutting-sandbach-and-elworth-bus-services?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_35565632_en-GB%3A4&recruiter=55297664&recruited_by_id=5efcb210-c4c9-0130-aea6-38ac6f16d25f&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=5432082409a2427bb156de5c2d47465f&share_bandit_exp=initial-35565632-en-GB.

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She is urging Sandbach residents to sign the "Stop Arriva Buses from Cutting Sandbach and Elworth Bus Services" petition.

"It would mean that almost all bus services in Sandbach and Elworth would stop," said Cllr Cook. "Please sign this petition to make your voice heard."