Route axed in bus shake up

Blackpool Transport blames roadworks in South Shore for the axing of its number 10 service.The company is at the same time expanding in competition with a rival operator in Thornton and Cleveleys.The changes to all routes come into force on April 2.The biggest change comes in South Shore where the number 10 service, between St Annes and Blackpool is being withdrawn.Shane Grindy, marketing manager for Blackpool Transport, said: “United Utilities is carrying out extensive works along the route of the number 10 service.“The disruption caused would be quite severe and the diversions would mean the services would very closely mirror our existing 17 service.“The decision has been taken to withdraw the number 10 but double frequency on the 17 to every half hour.“There will be changes for passengers in the Highfield Road and Watson Road area.“But we have worked it out and the furthest anybody will have to walk is 400 metres.“That might be difficult for some but everybody should retain access to bus services.”In addition to the changes in South Shore the number 2 service, from Blackpool to Poulton is being extended every hour to serve Thornton and Cleveleys.That will put Blackpool Transport in direct competition with rivals Catch22.Shane said: “This will restore services to roads which lost their buses when Lancashire County Council withdrew subsidies last year.“We will now offer an hourly services between Cleveleys and Poulton.”Also seeing an increase in services will be villages in Over Wyre. Blackpool Transport will now operate bank holiday buses to Knott End, following complaints last year.Shane said: “We are now committed to providing a bank holiday bus services in these areas.“It will not be the normal Saturday service but there will be regular buses to the area.”Other changes include the introduction of brand new double-deckers, including free wi-fi on the 14 and 11 routes.The 14 service, which previously linked Fleetwood to Mereside Tesco, will operate from Blackpool to Fleetwood only with the number six service, from Grange Park to Blackpool, extended to Mereside.