BOROUGH chiefs have given their backing to a 'vital' new bus service in Wilmslow and Handforth – but warn residents to 'use it or lose it'.

After the old Wilmslow to Stockport 378 is withdrawn on Sunday, April 23, D&G Bus will begin running a new 378 between Wilmslow train station and Handforth Dean the next day.

It is the first service to run directly between the two destinations, and ensures residents in Lacey Green and Spath Lane will continue to have a bus service running in their estates.

A petition to save the bus service, organised by Handforth residents Janet Taylor and Julie Smith, was handed over to Cheshire East Council on Wednesday, April 12, after attracting more than 3,700 signatures.

Cllr David Brown, deputy leader at CEC and portfolio holder for highways and infrastructure, said: "I would urge our residents to take advantage of this service as it is vital that it continues, and provides a lifeline for a large number of people who do not have access to a car, who may feel isolated living alone or who need a regular bus service for local schools.

"Buses are also an excellent form of green transport and we would like to urge car users to think about switching to this and other services if it is feasible for them to do so."

The commercial service will run every hour from 8.14am to 5.57pm, Monday to Friday.

But D&G insists the service is being run as a trial, and will need 'sufficient patronage' for it to continue.

The timetable is now available in Wilmslow and Handforth Libraries, and online at dgbus.co.uk