A LATE-NIGHT Crewe to Nantwich bus service that was in danger of being scrapped will continue to operate – for now.

Arriva looked set to axe the last service of the evening Crewe-Nantwich 84 service, on weekdays and weekends, claiming it was not financially viable.

Now Arriva has announced the 84 service will continue to operate on Fridays and Saturdays – though it will be reviewed after three months.

However, the Monday to Thursday late journeys on the 84 will be scrapped due to low passenger numbers.

A spokesman for Arriva Manchester said: “Minor timetable changes will be made to daytime journeys and some late evening journeys have been withdrawn.

“Slight changes have been made to Friday and Saturday evening services, with the last buses from Crewe departing at 20:35 and 21:35. The last journeys from Chester depart at 21:55 and 22:55.

“Unfortunately the Monday to Thursday late journeys on the 84 will be withdrawn due to lack of passengers using the bus service.

“From Monday to Thursday the last bus from Crewe will depart at 19:35 and the last bus from Chester will depart at 20:55.”

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor, Cllr Brian Silvester – who had campaigned to keep the late-night service running – has welcomed the Arriva's decision.

He said: “I would urge residents to use the service so that it can be made permanent. The old adage of ‘use it or lose it’ is very true in relation to this issue.

“Also I am amazed that Arriva could have suggested scrapping an important service like this without any consultation with the public or the Council at all.

“We would not have known about it if the drivers had not told the passengers. I hope in future that Arriva will consult before they cut services.”