Over half of the bus services in the North West have been slashed since 2010.

This severe reduction is prompting parliamentary candidates in the region to demand improved bus services.

Labour’s contenders in north and west Cumbria have initiated a campaign after statistics that show local bus routes declining by 52 per cent since 2010.

The North West has been the most drastically impacted, with 2,228 services cut across the region - more than any other area in England.

Bus miles in Cumbria have seen a 15 per cent drop compared to five years ago.

Three parliamentary candidates, Josh MacAlister for Whitehaven & Workington, Julie Minns for Carlisle, and Markus Campbell-Savours for Penrith & Solway, have launched a residents’ survey on their thoughts concerning local bus service improvements and have addressed the government for extra funding.

Josh MacAlister said: “Bus users in Whitehaven & Workington are being failed by a Tory Government that is out of touch and out of ideas.

“Local communities like mine deserve reliable, affordable bus services but this Government has failed to deliver them.

“That’s why Labour will hand power and control of our bus services back to communities like mine who depend on them.”

Julie Minns said: "The shoestring service currently on offer hurts local businesses, individuals and families, all of whom depend on there being reliable, accessible and affordable buses.”

Markus Campbell-Savours added: “I find it heart breaking to hear of bus services cancelled, leaving elderly residents isolated and unable to access friends and local services.”

Nationally, Labour has pledged to enact the largest reform of Britain’s bus system in 40 years by returning control of services to dependent communities.

The reform plan includes lowering the legal obstacles to franchising, lifting the ban on municipal bus ownership introduced by the Conservatives in 2017 and permitting all local transport authorities the power to regain control of bus services.