Bus cuts 'simply wrong'

NEXT MONTH WILL SEE AL REDUCTION IN SOME SERVICES

- DANIEL HOLLAND

NEW cuts to bus services in Newcastle and Sunderland have been branded "disgraceful".

Stagecoach has confirmed that it plans to reduce some of its services on Tyneside and Wearside from the week of May 11. Its number 7 bus, which runs from the Freeman Hospital to the Metrocentre via the west of Newcastle, will see its evening services cut.

Meanwhile, the 18 and 18A services between Gilley Law and Sunderland city centre will be axed entirely. North East mayor Kim McGuinness took aim at Stagecoach on Friday, calling the changes "simply wrong".

She said: "Stagecoach takes millions of pounds from North East passengers and significant public subsidy and yet today they are planning disgraceful cuts to community bus services."