IT'S 'all change' for bus passengers in Bowdon Vale - sparking anger and outrage among users of the 246 service.

From October M Travel will no longer operate the route to and from Altrincham after transport chiefs failed to renew the company's contract.

One resident, Gail Demmy, said the move has prompted her to start a petition in a bid to get the unpopular decision reversed.

She claimed the firm that ran the service before M Travel was unreliable - but praised M Travel for its reliability.

Gail said: "I've used that bus every day for three years and it has never failed to turn up. I'm getting a petition together because there are quite a few residents who aren't very happy about it and I've been on to GMPTE and they say they've only ever had rave reviews about the 246 service with the company they've got now.

"With M Travel I've been stood there in the thick ice, the freezing cold, the trams have been off and the company has still ran that bus service."

She also praised the M Travel's drivers for the way they treat passengers - including the elderly.

Gail said: "They've really gone out of their way with the elderly, they'll hold the bus up for a minute while they get on and off with their shopping. I spoke to one of the drivers and they said they're absolutely shocked that our contract hasn't been renewed."

But a spokesman for Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “TfGM sets high quality standards for the bus operators it pays to run services on its behalf, who have to meet strict performance criteria.

“The 246 service contract is due to expire in October and the service has been through the usual competitive tendering process.

“I can assure passengers that TfGM will monitor the performance of the new operator, Belle Vue, as we do on all the routes we financially support."

* Anyone interested in supporting Gail's campaign should contact her on 07717 805 120.