THE fight to save two rural bus services in South Cumbria was stepped up this week after MP Tim Farron has secured a meeting with transport minister Baroness Vere about the issue.

The 552 service from Arnside to Kendal and the 530 from Cartmel to Kendal via Levens are due to be axed at the end of the month, leaving Levens effectively without public transport.

Milnthorpe Parish Council heard this week a plan to provide a community run service for the village was set to go ahead, but the battle to retain the normal service is continuing.

And Mr Farron this week launched a petition calling for the Government to restore funding for bus subsidies and to make affordable and reliable bus services a key part of the Northern Powerhouse.

“If the Northern Powerhouse is to mean anything to anyone north of Preston, then the provision of a comprehensive, affordable and reliable rural bus service in Cumbria needs to be a key part of it,.” said the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP.

To sign Mr Farron’s petition, go to https://www.southlakeslibdems.org.uk/bus