PUPILS at Kirkbride Primary School have come up with a creative way to try and keep their local bus service on the road.
The children have produced artwork for a poster, postcard and leaflet to be used in a campaign to encourage people to use the 93/93A, which links Kirkbride, Anthorn, Bowness-on-Solway and Burgh-by-Sands with Carlisle.
The striking colourful graphic features landmark buildings such as Burgh by Sands Church, wildlife from sheep to butterflies, ships in the Solway, even a unicorn and, of course, the 93 bus.
The Stagecoach route was almost axed last year until pupils launched a campaign to save it, enlisting the help of two MPs who persuaded the former Allerdale and Carlisle local authorities to step in with a temporary subsidy.
This latest initiative aims to attract more passengers to the service to make sure it keeps going when the subsidy ends next year.
Headteacher Karen Barley said: “I’m incredibly proud of the children and staff. It’s really important that, although we’re a small school, we have a big voice and have a big impact on the local community.”
Artist Abby Kilfedder, of Artscool, who helped the children to create the artwork said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the children at Kirkbride Primary School.
"I'm delighted with their final creation, it's absolutely stunning," she said.
The poster will go up at Carlisle bus station and in the bus shelter opposite the school.
Niamh Wharton, aged 10, devised the strapline for the artwork.
"This bus isn’t just for journeys, it’s for adventures," she said.
“I went on adventures with my nan. We used to get the bus to Carlisle every Saturday. I would look out of the window and there was always something to see – the scenery, the birds, the old railway line.”
James Mattinson, aged nine, was inspired to get involved after a regular bus user, June Glendinning, came to talk to the children.
"If the bus wasn’t there, she wouldn’t be able to go shopping, get to hospital or see her family.
"She wouldn’t be able to do anything," he said.
More information about the 93/93A route, including times here.
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