High Peak MP Robert Largan has welcomed the success of his campaign to save the Sunday 61 bus service.

This follows his successful petition after confirmation from High Peak Buses that the 61 service running on Sundays would be withdrawn due to low passenger numbers. 

The 61 runs in both directions between Buxton, Market Place to Glossop, Henry Street and it is an important service which local residents rely on, particularly in rural villages across the High Peak.

Following a campaign by Mr Largan, Hulleys of Baslow has confirmed a new number 61 bus service to replace the service recently dropped by High Peak Buses.

This means that, alongside the return of the usual timetable for the 60 and 190 bus routes after the work on the railway bridge across Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge will now additionally have the 61 bus service continuing to operate on Sundays.

The service will follow the same route as the old 61 Sunday bus service and will run at three-hourly intervals. It is due to start running from 26th March.

The bus will also be restored to Chunal, Little Hayfield, Hayfield, Birch Vale, New Mills, Newtown, Furness Vale and Fernilee.

Mr Largan’s petition, set up to demonstrate demand for the service, saw hundreds of people add their names in support of saving it.

Robert Largan MP commented: 

“Lots of local people, including many older residents, rely on the 61 bus. The cancellation of the service effectively left many residents stranded on Sundays.

“I am really pleased that, having demonstrated the clear demand for the service, Hulleys have announced they will operate a 61 Sunday Service.

“I want to thank the hundreds of High Peak residents who have got behind this campaign and signed my petition.

“This shows what we can achieve when we work together!”