Kirkbride Primary School's bus-saving campaign suffers vandalism

The children at Kirkbride Primary ran a successful campaign to save the Stagecoach 93/93A route in 2022, which links Kirkbride, Anthorn, Bowness-on-Solway and Burgh-by-Sands with Carlisle. 

After the threatened service was reprieved, 21 children in years five and six in Oak class designed a leaflet, postcard and poster to promote it.

But within hours of posters going up last month, one was torn down from the bus shelter at Grove Cottages, Kirkbride.

Pupils of Oak Class have been investigating to include in a newspaper article. (Image: Jonathan Becker)

Jack Salisbury, aged 10, said: “Someone came and ripped the plastic casing, chucked it on the floor and threw the poster in the bin.

“It made me sad because we’d spent 18 months on the campaign.”

The police have been informed and the pupils have written newspaper-style reports of the incident in the hope that it will jog someone’s memory to provide information to help the police identify those responsible.

Stagecoach has since replaced the poster (Image: INTRO)

Stagecoach has since replaced the poster.

Juno Griffin, 10, said: “If I could speak to whoever did it, I’d say ‘Why?’ There isn’t any point in doing it.

"We made the poster so that more people know about the bus. The more people know about it, the more they will use it.”

Teacher Anna Howe said: “The children are desperate to find the culprits. The campaign to save the bus was important for our community and for this to happen is so disappointing.

"We just don’t know who would do such a thing. A lot of people have remarked on how good the poster is.”

The bus route, which runs five times a day, was saved after the pupils enlisted the help of two MPs who persuaded the former Allerdale and Carlisle local authorities to step in with a temporary subsidy.

Tom Waterhouse, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, previously visited the school to thank the children.

“This campaign has shown how vital the bus service is to the local community.

"We hope we can keep working in partnership with Cumberland Council so that the service continues," he said. 

Things to do along the the 93 and 93A bus route:

The 93 and 93A bus is a great way to see some of Cumbria’s lesser-known coastal areas, nature reserves and sites of historical importance.

From Roman remains to royal monuments, birdwatching to the forgotten history of black soldiers, there’s so much to see between Carlisle and Anthorn on the 93/93A bus.

Carlisle - The Great Border City 

The 93/93A bus starts in Carlisle. Enjoy the history of the castle and the majesty of Carlisle Cathedral, before popping into Tullie to enjoy great art and exhibitions. While there are a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars within easy reach of the bus station, you can also choose to relax in the beautiful Bitts Park or wander down to Rickerby Park to spot the wildlife.

Monkhill - Good for a rest 

The Drovers Rest in Monkhill is a great place to stop off for lunch (Wednesday to Sunday) . There is a mouthwatering menu and it’s dog-friendly so suitable for all of the family. 

Drumburgh Moss – Natural Beauty

Drumburgh Moss is a peat bog owned by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve, and a Special Area of Conservation.

Glasson Moss – Wildlife Haven 

Glasson Moss Nature Reserve is easily accessible from the 93/93A bus. It is a haven for wildlife and plants, with trails and boardwalks to explore the wetlands. There is also a viewing tower where you can look over to Scotland, as well as picnic areas and disabled access.

ST Michael’s – Black History

At St Michael’s church in Burgh by Sands you can see the plaque put up by historian David Olusoga to commemorate the African soldiers who were stationed on Hadrian’s wall 1,800 years ago.

Burgh Marsh – Royal Monument 

From the bus stop outside St Michael’s Church, you can take  a short walk (approx 1 mile) to the King Edward I monument which stands in the middle of Burgh Marsh. It was erected in 1685 as a permanent memorial to the king.

Bowness-on-Solway – Go West 

Bowness-on-Solway is the most westerly point of Hadrian’s Wall. From the Kings Arms bus stop head west along the main road to get to the shore and, a little further on, the remains of the old railway viaduct across the Solway. For the start of the Wall trail, go east towards Carlisle from the bus stop and turn left at the sign saying Hadrian’s Wall Path Banks Promenade.

Hadrian’s Wall – Roman Legacy

The Hadrian’s Wall National Trail starts (and ends) here at Bowness-on-Solway. You can catch the 93 bus to start your 84-mile walk to Wallsend on the east coast or take your bike and join the Hadrian’s Cycleway (Route NCN 72).

Bowness Sands – Birdwatching 

Bowness Sands are a fantastic place to visit for ornithologists. The sand dunes, salt marsh, shingle beds and peat mosses make it a favourite spot for many bird species, including oystercatchers, curlews, golden and grey plover and lapwing to name but a few.

Campfield Marsh – End of the Line

The 93 and 93A take you right into the heart of the Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And from here there are two buses a day that will take you right to the new Solway Wetlands Centre at RSPB’s Campfield Marsh reserve.