AN estimated 130 residents gathered at Lymm Village Hall to voice their concerns about the bus services between Lymm and Altrincham.
The meeting, attended by officers from Warrington Borough Council and Transport for Greater Manchester, provided a valuable opportunity to collect feedback aimed at enhancing the new Bee Network and its cross-boundary operations.
The recent transition from the X5 service, which previously ran from Warrington to Altrincham, to the current service has prompted calls for extended operating hours and increased frequency. Currently, the service runs every two hours, and residents are advocating for more regular intervals.
Additionally, attendees highlighted the need for improvements to the service between Dunham, Warburton, and Lymm. The 280 service has faced challenges in recent years due to the reclassification of a canal bridge, which has disrupted rural connectivity.
The meeting was chaired by Councillor Graham Gowland, with contributions and support from local Borough and Parish Councillors representing the affected parishes. Councillor Ian Marks led a discussion towards the end of the meeting, focusing on the changes to the service in Statham.
Officers from both councils were receptive to the issues raised and committed to exploring potential service improvements to better meet the community’s needs.
Next Steps
Officers will review the feedback collected during the meeting and document specific issues and suggestions. Progress will be communicated through meetings, newsletters, local mediaCommunity meeting , and social media to keep the community informed about upcoming changes.
How Residents Can Stay Involved
Residents can stay involved by attending follow-up meetings, joining community groups, staying informed through council updates, and encouraging others to participate. By staying active and engaged, residents can play a crucial role in shaping the future of local transportation services. Most importantly, residents are encouraged to use the local buses to support the service.
A spokesperson for Warrington’s Own Buses said: “The X5 was a popular service providing direct buses from Warrington and Lymm to Altrincham and Manchester Airport.
“Warrington’s Own Buses are keen to work with TfGM to explore any new opportunities to reinstate the contract for this service.”
