CHESHIRE East Council is in negotiations with a bus operator to try and save a struggling Knutsford service.

Earlier this week it emerged that D&G Bus, who operate the Knutsford Circular’s daytime services, would be withdrawing their Saturday services as of next month.

The number 300 circular bus serves the whole town, operates from Monday to Saturday and runs every 30 minutes.

A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: “The council is aware that the current commercial operation of the Saturday service has struggled to be viable for many years, given the relatively-low number of passengers using it.

“However, recognising that the loss of this service would have a detrimental impact on the town, the council has decided to negotiate with the current provider to see if there is a cost-effective way that the service can be retained.”

Knutsford Town Councillor Andrew Malloy welcomed the news that the two companies were working together to find an appropriate solution.

“Many older people would be affected by the withdrawal of this service and in turn, businesses would suffer,” he said.

“I am pleased that the council and the bus company are in discussions and hope that we get the correct outcome from it.”

The 300 circular service has seen many changes over the years including the frequent switching of providers.

In less than four years the contract for the service has changed hands four times and previous operators include Birtles, Town and District Travel and High Peak.

Crewe-based D&G Bus took over the running of the service from High Peak in June 2013.

The route has also seen some changes in recent years which have caused problems for passengers.

Early last year, High Peak, the operators at the time, came under fire for pulling the service from Tabley Road and Queensway.

The company decided instead to run every service via Lilac Avenue, expanding the outreach of the service.

However in December, nine months after the decision was taken, D&G Bus cut the number of journeys serving Lilac Avenue in line with passenger demand.

For more information on Knutsford Circular’s amended route (December 2013) visit dgbus.co.uk