BOROUGH council chiefs have stuck to their guns and will not help to pay for a vital bus service that links Middlewich and Sandbach after rejecting a plea from opposition politicians Arriva is scrapping its 37 and 37E Crewe to Northwich service, which runs through Middlewich and Winsford, in the evenings and on Sundays.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is reducing its subsidy to save more than £80,000 after the commercial viability of the service was called into question.

While the authority supports the leg of the journey between Northwich and Sandbach, neighbouring Cheshire East Council has said it cannot help with funding due to its ‘financial position’.

At a meeting of Cheshire East Council on Thursday, February 28, Labour proposed an amendment to the budget for £50,000 to be put into the 37E bus service that links Middlewich with Sandbach and Winsford stations, so that it can continue into late weekday and Saturday evenings and on Sundays.

However, Labourites were left angry after the council refused to budge on the issue.

The cuts will mean the 37 and 37E services will stop at 6pm and not run on Sunday’s, while the service will be changed to every hour.

Middlewich Town Clr Steve Mitchell (Lab) told the Guardian: “It is a matter of great shame that Cheshire East Council pays nothing towards a popular and well used bus service that is a vital link for Middlewich residents.

“The fact that we have to rely on Cheshire West money confirms many people’s views that Middlewich is yet again left out on a limb.

“Whilst I very much support the campaign for a Middlewich station, it isn’t going to happen anytime soon. So we must do everything possible to ensure that we have good links with nearby stations at Winsford and Sandbach, giving Middlewich residents access to Liverpool, Manchester, Crewe and beyond.

“I am aware that the buses don’t currently link very well with train services, particularly at Sandbach, which is why passenger numbers maybe fewer than they could be. If Cheshire East were to make a contribution that would give them a greater say in how the bus route is run for the benefit of residents.”

Clr Sam Corcoran, shadow cabinet member for finance at Cheshire East, added: “It was dreadfully disappointing to see this modest amendment rejected and it is a real blow for the communities of Sandbach and Middlewich.

"As a Sandbach councillor I was very concerned by this service cut because the 37E links Sandbach station with Sandbach town centre.

“It is another example of where Cheshire East Tories know the cost of everything, but the value of nothing.”