Vital bus services between Bowness-on Solway and Carlisle have been saved, thanks to a £12,000 lifeline for the next 12 months.
Villagers living on the route of the 93 and 93A services feared they would be cut off after operator Stagecoach announced in April that it would be cancelled permanently.
Although it said at the time that a final decision had yet to be made, people feared the worst for the services, which stop in places including Kirkbride, Kirkbampton, Thurstonfield, Burgh by Sands, Port Carlisle and Moorhouse.
But now Allerdale council and Carlisle City Council have agreed to subsidise the services for year, each pledging £6,000 to keep them running.
The move comes after local residents voiced concerns about the axing of the services.
Councillor Tony Markley, Allerdale council’s executive member with responsibility for leisure and tourism and 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.”
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 1,900-year anniversary of the building of Hadrian’s Wall.”
