RUMOURS that Arriva bus company will be changing the routes of its bus services and cutting out certain services in Newton are refusing to go away.

Clr Tom Hargreaves, St Helens Passenger Transport Authority member, has called on the bus operator to outline its plans for a major overhaul of bus routes and services in the area.

At an advisory panel meeting of St Helens Mersey Travel, the panel chairman expressed the concerns that have been raised with him by the public.

Clr Hargreaves said: "I have spoken to Arriva to find out the true position only to be told that for commercial reasons it is not able to give me any answers.

"It was only able to inform me that elected members and the public will be informed in July.

"This is not good enough - the public should have the right to know what was happening to their public transport as, for many, it is a lifeline for their future."

And the councillor threw out a challenge to Arriva to answer these concerns.

He said: "We need to hear what is happening now, not after the decisions have been made.

"If Arriva want the public's confidence this would be a way forward for good public relations."