Council Members Oppose Ribble
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QTRONG opposition by members of Withnell Urban District Council was voiced at Manchester last week when Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., applied to vary their services between Blackburn and Wigan, via Chorley. The variations bad been operated on dispensation since the railway line had been closed on January 3.
Previously the direct service had operated at half-hourly intervals, and a semi-circular route at irregular intervals. Ribble proposed to make the semicircular route a half-hourly service and reduce the headways on the other route.
This would result in the loss of 13 journeys, said Mr. F. D. Walker, for the company. It would still provide adequate facilities and it was the most economical method of operation for the company. There would be no change in services before 9 a.m. Ir. G. Taylor said that it would be a retrograde step to reduce the halfhourly service which had been operating for 25 years. It would be inconvenient for people visiting a nearby hospital and old people's home and also for shiftworkers.
Observing that Ribble had submitted a number of kindred applications, Mr. F. Williamson, chairman, North Western Traffic Commissioners, said that although details had not yet been revealed, if granted the additional proposals would improve conditions in the area. He granted the applications in hand for a trial period of three months _ At the end of that time Ribble would have to submit a report of the new workings to the Commissioners and the council. If the council were not satisfied, traffic examiners would be sent to review the conditions.