TALKS have been held over the future of a cross-border bus route that was axed last month.

The 72 bus service connecting Oswestry and Llanfyllin ceased to operate at the end of June, because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the finances of the operator, Tanat Valley Coaches.

The announcement led to an outcry from users of the service.

It was one of the few services in Powys which receives no financial support from the local authority.

Since then, members of Llanfyllin Town Council have met with county councillors and Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Russell George MS to discuss possible alternatives and ensure people have access to transport between the towns.

A spokesman for Llanfyllin Town Council said: “With regards to the current situation concerning the 72 bus, currently there is no change to reports of the route closures.

“That being said work continues in the background with a collaboration of local councils. Representatives from Llanfyllin, Llanfechain and Llansantffraid councils met with county councillors Peter Lewis and Gwynfor Thomas and Russell George via Zoom to scrutinise this.”

In June Tanat Valley Coaches confirmed a reduced service has been considered, but because of low passenger numbers, the service was deemed unsustainable.

A spokesman for the coach company said: “We are sorry that we are having to take this action, but low passenger numbers mean that this service is not sustainable.

“This was also the case before Covid-19, but the pandemic has worsened the situation.

“We have thought long and hard about this, and have considered many options to try and maintain even a reduced service.”