VITAL evening bus services running in Crewe, which were due to be axed, are now being retained.

All subsidised evening services in east Cheshire were due to be withdrawn follow-ing proposals last year, but the 6E, 8, 37 and 38 bus routes will continue to operate.

The changes follow a widespread consultation.

Monday to Saturday evening bus times for the number 8 service, which runs circu-lar around Sydney, Crewe, and Wistaston will remain the same. The 6E service, which runs from Leighton Hospital to Shavington, will now finish after the hospital’s 8pm visiting time has ended.

The 38 Macclesfield to Crewe service via Congleton and Sandbach, which resi-dents had thought would be finishing in the early evening, will continue with the same Monday to Saturday evening timetable. The evening 8 service and part of the 38 service will be operated commercially.

Cllr Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for finance and communi-cations, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to retain evening services on these key routes.

“Our bus network is the lifeblood for many of our residents, whether it’s travelling to work or college, visiting relatives in our local hospitals or simply keeping in touch with friends and family.

“As an authority that is actively encouraging residents to live independent and longer, healthier lives, I am very pleased to be able to share this news today.”

The changes to Cheshire East’s bus services will be effective from 1 April.