PUBLIC transport will be available in a Copeland village next month following changes to a local bus service.

People living in Moor Row previously had to walk over a quarter of a mile to access bus services, with the nearest stop being on the opposite side of the busy A595.

But now bus company Reays has agreed to alter an existing bus route to improve the situation.

The issue had been highlighted by Graham Calvin, who represents Moor Row on Copeland Council, and Tony Lywood, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Copeland.

Coun Calvin said: “After noticing the problem with the bus stop and related safety issues of having to cross a busy road with a blind spot, Tony and myself got in touch with Nicola Reay, from Reays Coaches. Nicola was very sympathetic to our concerns and quickly arranged a meeting with ourselves and Reays head of sales and marketing, Kerrie Allison.

“Within no time at all a meeting was arranged to come up with a solution to the problem. The meeting concluded on very good terms and Kerrie told us that Reays would investigate further and do their very best to find a solution and get a bus service to the local community, that runs through the village of Moor Row.”

Reays has now received confirmation from the Department of Transport to introduce the changes and include a stop in Moor Row, as part of its Service 20 timetable. Coun Calvin said this will make it “far easier” for residents, particularly the elderly and disabled, to get into Whitehaven and beyond.

Mr Lywood added: “We can’t thank Reays enough, especially Nicola and Kerrie for helping fix this problem in a quick and effective way. I’m really glad Moor Row residents will now have a working bus service.”

Kerrie Allison said: “Following my meeting with Graham and Tony, it was clear that there was a real need for a bus service to and from Moor Row, to eliminate safety concerns and improve accessibility for the local residents.

“Reays are delighted that we have been able to revise our Service 20 timetable to introduce a service to the Moor Row community and hope this will be well received and accessed.”

The revised service will come into effect on Monday.