AN Allostock villager's attempt to persuade Cheshire West and Chester Council to help in the restoration of the 319 bus service on Saturdays has been rebuffed.

Since the new timetable for the Goostrey-Sandbach via Allostock and Holmes Chapel service was introduced earlier this year, villagers have been without a Saturday bus and in most cases no access to alternative public transport.

Mike Hill claims its has stopped him from going out to shop and to meet relatives and friends on the most popular day of the week.

The local bus, which was threatened with the axe under cost-cutting proposals, was saved with the continued financial support of Cheshire East Council, but reduced to three return journeys a day and one non-return trip and the withdrawal of the Saturday bus.

Mike, who is disabled and travels regularly on the bus, called on Cheshire West to pay its share by providing cash for a Saturday service.

But after writing a series of letters calling for support, CWAC leader Samantha Dixon said no complaints had been received about the new service.

Mike said: "It is ridiculous there is no Saturday service. It is the busiest day of the week and Cheshire West should liaise with Cheshire East to restore it as it is a lifeline for Allostock residents to do their main shopping in Holmes Chapel and Sandbach or visit loved ones in hospital."

He added: "Money is being spent on non-essential projects in Northwich and Winsford and the cost to the council to reinstate the 319 on a Saturday would be a pittance in comparison. Allostock residents help to fund all Cheshire West projects and we are entitled to our share.

"The council should support a proper bus service and stop penalising soft targets such as disabled people and those without any transport of their own."