THE residents of a Kendal estate welcomed the news that their 44 bus service would not be lost after council subsidy cuts.

More than 25 bus users filled Hallgarth Community Centre where Coun Rob Boden told them the good news – that Kirkby Lonsdale Coaches would take over the route commercially.

Fears had risen after Cumbria County Council began a public consultation on its proposed budget cuts, which included stopping the subsidising of 70 routes across the county.

MP Tim Farron said he wanted to thank the residents for their campaign, and the coach company for working with the community.