Vital Arriva bus service is reprieved

A vital Birmingham bus service that was set to be axed within days will be kept going until September, it has been revealed.

The X31 Arriva service linking Birmingham and Cannock was set to end next Saturday.

The news came just weeks after the firm announced it was to scrap the X60 service, while the number 60 linking Cannock and Lichfield is being reduced.

Arriva has organised talks with Staffordshire County Council and Centro to discuss a taxpayer-funded replacement service.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson says the end of the X31 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."

Arriva has said that the bus link will remain until at least September 2 while the talks take place.

Centro spokesman Steve Swingler said: "It is important in the meantime for passengers to continue using the service – passenger figures will be taken into consideration."

The X31 runs Monday to Saturday, between Cannock Bus Station and Carrs Lane in Birmingham.

The bus from Cannock begins at 6.15am during the working week, and has services right up until 5.40pm.

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

Arriva spokesman Keith Myatt said: "Discussions are taking place looking at saving part of the service.

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