"The bus journey to Stepping Hill Hospital from New Mills and Hayfield continues to cause confusion and dissent," said Councillor Beth Atkins, "and matters have now got even worse with the news that Stagecoach are axing the 362 bus from Marple to the hospital – the service that many New Mills and Hayfield residents have used to complete their trip after changing at Marple."

The 362 service will finish on Sunday, January 25.

Cllr Atkins said she had contacted the Derbyshire County Council Public Transport Unit for help and stated that they has been desperately trying to negotiate a satisfactory solution with various bus operators ever since they received the news, knowing how concerned residents would be.

The following alternatives are available to visitors to the hospital from New Mills and Hayfield:-

• Take the 358 bus to Marple - then catch the 394, which goes from Glossop to Stepping Hill Hospital (via Hibbert Lane and Hawk Green) with a 4/5 minute wait.

• Return on the 394 and on reaching Marple take the next bus going to New Mills and Hayfield - 14 minute wait, different operator
OR

• Take the 61 service to the A6 at The Swan and pick up the 199 service to Stepping Hill - a 13 minute wait.
OR

• Hayfield residents could get the 61 to Glossop and take the 394 all the way to Stepping Hill.

Cllr Atkins urged passengers to check the bus time table before choosing their route.