THE future of a popular bus service once again hangs in the balance after Winsford Town Council voted to stop subsidising the route.

The GHA Coaches’ X22 bus service was axed by Cheshire West and Chester Council in March 2014, as they concluded it was used for ‘social use on Saturdays’ and not a priority service.

A lifeline was thrown by Winsford Town Council, which stepped in to subsidise the service, which runs from Winsford to Liverpool, for six months before extending it for a further six months.

However, in February of this year the council announced it could no longer afford to pay to keep it running, and asked passengers – including those with bus passes – to pay £7.50 every time they used the service, during a trial period.

The three-month trial has now transpired, and following a passenger average of 18 people, the council has decided it cut all subsidies to the service.

“We can’t afford to go on supporting it forever,” Don Beckett said at Winsford Town Council’s last meeting.

“We have had a request about whether Cheshire West can support it.

“We will put that to Cheshire West and it’s up to them to consider it, but we can’t continue to support it any longer.”

Cindy Byers, 71, who has lived in Winsford since 1969, has campaigned rigorously to keep the popular service.

Speaking at the council meeting, she said: “We really hope it’s going to be kept on, we’re all up in arms about it. It’s a lifeline for a lot of people.”

GHA Coaches confirmed to the Guardian that the service will be kept on a trial basis until the end of the year.

However, Stephen Bryce, GHA Coaches general manager, warned residents they must ‘use it or lose it’.

“We are aware that the service has a loyal following and therefore have decided to operate the service on a commercial basis as a trial until the end of the year,” Mr Bryce said.

“I am hoping that with the build up to Christmas people will find the service useful and continue to support it in the long term.

“I must stress to passengers they need to use it or lose it.”