High Peak Buses routes cut as staff fall ill with Covid

High Peak Buses say the travel cuts are temporary - however 10 routes around Buxton have been axed while some serving remote areas are reduced to just two-hourly.

Among the most hard-hitting cuts are:

* Route 58 Buxton to Macclesfield - reduced to a two-hourly service with the last bus at 5.05pm and the last bus on the return journey at 6.45pm

* Route 60 Whaley Bridge to Macclesfield - reduced to a two-hourly service with a three-hour gap between its outward services starting around 7.30am and the 10.03am service

* Route 199 Peak Dale service on the Buxton to Manchester Airport line reduced to just one-hourly - with the last journey out to the airport at 5.25 pm and the and last journey to Buxton from Peak Dale at 6.11pm

On Monday High Peak Buses announced plans to completely suspend the above services however they agreed to provide reduced journeys after discussions with High Peak MP Robert Largan and Whaley Bridge councillor and former MP Ruth George.

Ruth told how the plans had left many key workers “not knowing how they will get to work” and children of key workers unable to get to school while their parents are working.

She said: “They have had almost no notice of this change, no time to inform employers or rearrange shifts.

“One lady I have spoken to is terrified she will lose her job.”

Though the company has been able to offer reduced services to some vital routes, other services around Buxton remain suspended.

These include the 185 and 186 between Burlow and Fairfield and the 441 and 442 serving Buxton to Asbourne.

Speaking about the last-minute effort to retain some services Ruth said: “Yesterday’s announcement was a terrible shock for many people who rely on our buses.

“Some were concerned they would lose their job if they couldn’t get in on time and others that they would struggle to get to the shops.

“I had a good conversation with High Peak Buses’ service director and I’m very pleased that they have spent today working up a service for all the people who need our buses.

“I know it has been very difficult for key workers through the pandemic and I’m so pleased that this additional burden has been lifted from them.

“I’d like to thank all our key workers and the staff at High Peak Buses for continuing to provide the best service they can in spite of the many problems they have had from the pandemic.”

MP Robert said: “I'm pleased that they have listened and that the reduction in services will not be as drastic as announced yesterday.

“However a huge number of services are still suspended and others reduced to a skeleton service.

“I’ll continue working with them and Derbyshire County Council to get services back up and running properly, as fast as possible.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.