WORKINGTON MP Mark Jenkinson has criticised the county council over the way in which it has funded bus services in the county.

Mr Jenkinson believes that the funding he claims the council 'refused' from central government would have saved 'just about every bus service' that Stagecoach are having to cut back in the constituency.

The comments came after the Workington MP wrote to the Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Minister for Roads, Buses and Places about problems that the constituency is facing with the cutting of bus services in many places.

Mr Jenkinson said: "Cumbria County Council have refused central government bus funding that would have just about saved every bus service that Stagecoach are having to cut back in the Workington constituency because CCC already *refuse* to spend bus funding on local services.

"I am disappointed that Cumbria County Council continues to consciously refuse to fund bus services fully using this grant, and indeed also have significant multi-million pound in-year underspends that could be used to fund proper, sustainable local transport services.

"I hope that the new Cumberland Authority will assume a more pro-active role in supporting and building local bus services."

READ MORE: Woman assaulted then hit by a car - while going to vote in local elections

It comes at the same time many people in Maryport are worried about the loss of the M1 bus service in the town - which serves the areas of Netherton, Ewanrigg, Hillside and Grasslot.

The service is set to be cut from next Monday, June 20 due to lack of pre-Covid passenger numbers using the service, but some people in Maryport say the service is 'a lifeline' for many of the town's elderly.

Mr Jenkinson said that he had received a number of queries from constituents on the service being scrapped; however there was little that could be done due to the lack of subsidy from the council, meaning that no other operator would take the service on after Stagecoach.

He said: "I know that this outcome will disappoint the Maryport Business Group and many of my wider constituents, as it did me, but I hope that the full explanation will highlight the reasons behind this change.

"Rest assured that I have not just sat back and allowed it to go without a fight."

The 30 route will remain a seven-day service running into the evening - it runs along largely the same route as the M1, but misses areas such as Ellenfoot Drive where the M1 diverges from the route of the number 30.

Cumbria County Council were approached for comment.

READ MORE: Woman assaulted bouncer and bar worker after being ejected from pub