COMMUNITIES are up in arms about a widespread and comprehensive threat to bus services in mid Cheshire. 

Arriva North West is exploring the idea of getting rid of its Winsford and Macclesfield depots, meaning the company would no longer operate any bus services in the Northwich, Winsford, Crewe and Macclesfield areas.

Arriva is consulting with employees affected by the proposals, which they say are the result of both depots having been loss-making since before the pandemic.

Northwich and Winsford communities have reacted strongly to the plans, which could leave thousands of people without a means of getting to work or school.

Now Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Louise Gittins, have launched an online petition, which has already attracted nearly 500 signatures.

Mr Amesbury said: “These proposals are nothing short of disgraceful for my constituents in Northwich and the broader district. It will mean services gone, as well as jobs.

“What happened to Bus Back Better under this current government?

“Please let Arriva know how you feel about these proposals. We have to get them to change their minds."

Services affected will include those connecting Northwich, Winsford, Sandbach and Crewe; the Northwich circular service via Rudheath and Weaverham; and Barnton to Leftwich and Kingsmead via Northwich.

A spokesperson for Arriva North West Bus said: "It is with great regret we announce we are consulting our highly valued team on the closure of our Winsford and Macclesfield depots which, if confirmed, would mean we would no longer operate any bus services in the Winsford, Northwich, Crewe and Macclesfield areas.

"Withdrawing services and closing depots are always a very last resort.

"This very difficult decision has been taken following exhaustive steps to turn around the loss-making services but with consistently too few customers to cover the increased cost of running services it is sadly necessary to launch a consultation with affected employees on closing the depots.

"Our priority throughout this process is that everything runs as smoothly as possible, for both our customers and our colleagues.

"If the depots are closed, Arriva would work with Cheshire East, Cheshire West and, if routes transition from Arriva, any new operators.

"We have put in place support for our colleagues through this difficult time, including assisting with transferring to any other local Arriva depots."

The petition, launched on the campaigning website change.org, states:  "A loss of bus services is unacceptable to the residents who rely on them.

"This is why Labour's plan to take back control of our buses is so important. The privatisation agenda of the Tories has failed communities and it's time for a change.

"Councillors and MPs were given no advance notice of these plans. We have asked for an urgent meeting with Arriva to discuss alternatives and to try to find a way forward until we get the changes we need."

Routes that would no longer operate if the move goes ahead:

84 Crewe - Nantwich/Chester

6 Leighton Hospital - Shavington

31 Northwich - Winsford - Crewe

37 Northwich - Winsford - Sandbach - Crewe

38 Crewe - Macclesfield

7 Winsford Local Circular

1 Northwich Circular via Rudheath and Weaverham

4 Barnton to Leftwich and Kingsmead via Northwich

3 Macclesfield - Weston

4 Macclesfield - Upton Priory

5 & 6 Macclesfield - Broken Cross

9 Macclesfield - Moss Rose

10 Macclesfield - Bollington