'Children’s voices are very powerful': Bus route saved from being axed

The 93A service which runs from Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle and vice-versa was set to be axed by provider Stagecoach on June 18, as a response to economic and travelling patterns in the wake of the pandemic. 

However, after a successful activist campaign from local primary school, Kirkbride Primary, the community showcased that the route is indeed a ‘life-line’ for many residents.

Pupils campaign in the name of the community.

A collaborative effort from Allerdale Borough Council and Carlisle City Council will now mean the service will now stay on the road.

READ MORE: Fury at Carlisle bus timetable overhaul as lifeline routes cut

The two district councils have stepped in to help subsidise the service for the next twelve months to help keep it alive, with each council providing £6k towards the costs. 

In their campaigning efforts, the primary school voiced community opinion by writing to Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, letters to Stagecoach as well as took a ride on the service themselves to raise awareness.

Anna Howe, a teacher of Kirkbride Primary School, said she was ‘surprised’ the decision had been overturned.

"The kids are absolutely delighted, it’s been so important for them to know we’ve put this effort in and we’ve had such a positive outcome.

"Children’s voices are very powerful," she said.  

Cllr Tony Markley, Allerdale Borough Council’s Executive member with responsibility for Leisure and Tourism who is also a local councillor, said: "I’m really pleased to see the two councils working together to help fund this service. This bus is crucial, not only to the local community to get to and from Carlisle and the villages along the route for shopping and appointments, but also to the many visitors who are attracted to this very special place.  

"Whilst we don’t have a statutory responsibility to fund bus services, this support is all part of our desire to have thriving towns and villages in Allerdale as embodied in our Council Strategy.” 

Cllr John Mallinson, Leader of Carlisle City Council, said: "I’m delighted we can work with colleagues at Allerdale to help support this bus service with what I hope will be a short-term measure to help the service get back to profitability. It is a vital service for many people living in our communities along the route. It is also crucial that we support our local visitor economy as we celebrate the 1900-year anniversary of the building of Hadrian’s Wall."

READ MORE: Campaigning pupils hop aboard bus service before it's axed