BUS passengers in Kilwinning could be facing further disruption if proposed cuts are allowed to go ahead, a councillor has warned.

Kilwinning Councillor Joe Cullinane has this week voiced his opposition to proposals that could see Stagecoach’s number 20 service through Woodwynd and Blacklands cut to one per hour.

The bus company receive £33,840 in subsidy from SPT, in addition to the fare revenues, to run the service. The contract - referred to as ‘320 Kilwinning Local Service’ - is due for renewal in July 2014 and SPT are currently accepting bids from bus companies as part of a new tender for an hourly service.

Councillor Cullinane, who has been campaigning for better bus services through re-regulation following a similar cut by Stagecoach to their commercial daytime 27 service, has written to SPT to express his opposition to their plan.

He has also asked Stagecoach for a commitment from Stagecoach that should they win the new contract they win run a half hourly service.

Speaking on the issue, Joe said: “I was disappointed to learn of SPT’s decision to tender for an hourly service. It appears this decision was taken as part of a wider review of subsidised bus services following changes to who run some local services and the level of subsidy the bus companies receive for running them.”  “This is a popular service and carries almost 100,000 passengers per year. Stagecoach, as the current operator of the service, retain all fare revenues from these journeys as well as a handsome subsidy from SPT. I believe there is no sound case for reducing the frequency of the service.

“I have made my opposition to the proposed tender known to SPT and have also asked for a commitment from Stagecoach, who I understand will bid to retain the contract, that they will continue to run a half hourly service, as they are free to do, if they win the contract.” “I know that many of my constituents in the Woodwynd and Blacklands areas will be concerned about this proposed change.

"Having witnessed first-hand how Stagecoach’s cuts to the 27 service impacted on the communities it serves I very much share their concerns and I will be looking to work with constituents in the Woodwynd and Blacklands to fight these proposed changes.” A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: “Because we’re in the middle of the tender process, it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time.”