Bus service axe is 'bonkers' says MP

A bus service linking Cannock and Birmingham is to be axed – sparking anger from campaigners.

The X31 Arriva service is to end on June 2. Bosses say they are axing the route due to a lack of users.

The news comes just weeks after the company announced it was to scrap the X60 service, while the number 60 linking Cannock and Lichfield will be reduced.

Arriva bosses have organised emergency talks with Staffordshire County Council and Centro to look at running a taxpayer-funded replacement service.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson says the end of the service would affect hundreds of people across the region.

He said: "It will be devastating for many local people who use this service regularly.

"It is an incredibly well used service. From what I have been told the bus is jam-packed every day.

"It seems a bonkers idea to get rid of a service which is so well used."

The X31 runs Monday to Saturday, between Cannock Bus Station and Carrs Lane in Birmingham. The service from Cannock begins at 6.15am during the working week, and has services right up until 5.40pm.

The service calls at Cheslyn Hay, New Invention Shopping Centre, Short Heath shops, Shepwell Green and Wolverhampton Road West.

Keith Myatt, spokesman for Arriva, said: "Discussions are taking place with Staffordshire County Council and Centro looking at saving part of the service.

"The service may continue in a revised format, but unfortunately it has not generated sufficient patronage."

Mr Myatt said Arriva had not issued a news release about the cancellation as its fate is still undecided and the firm did not want to see customers "drift away" if it could still be saved. Centro spokesman Steve Swingler said: "We are exploring ways of supporting the Arriva service, and are currently in talks with them and Staffordshire County Council."

In April Arriva announced it would operate fewer route 60 departures, only weeks after scrapping the express X60 route.

Early morning commuters have been hit hardest after the 7.15am and 8.15am departures from Cannock were axed on April 29.

The 60 service calls at East Cannock, Cross Keys, Heath Hayes, Norton Canes, Chase Terrace, Chasetown, Burntwood, Pipe Hill and Darwin Park.