CUTS to a minibus service for an area of Trafford with limited public transport are set to come into action at the end of the month, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

The Local Link service for Partington and its surroundings allows residents to book a minibus almost all day, every day at the moment, but this is soon to be cut to mornings and evenings.

TfGM explained the reason for the cuts, which are set to come into action on April 24, was to avoid 'the duplication of services'.

Nick Roberts, the organisation's head of services and commercial development, said: "Local Link will continue to have a presence in Partington in the early mornings, evenings and every Sunday.

"But the daytime service is being withdrawn to avoid duplications with the bus network, which offers residents a range of services in and out of the town.

"These changes, together with the alterations to the bus network, will ensure both Local Link and traditional bus routes are sustainable in the longer term."

Residents of Partington such as Geraldine Platt have expressed concern over the cuts to the minibus service, which a number of disabled and older residents use to access shops and other services.

Geraldine, who lives with cerebral palsy, set up a petition called 'Stop The Cuts to Partington Local Link Bus Service', which has attracted around 350 supporters at the time of writing.

She said: "It's a nightmare for disabled and elderly people. We are going to be stuck without it.

"I walk with a walking aid and the bus stop is too far for me. It would be a personal lockdown."

However, TfGM said its Ring and Ride service for disabled and older residents should be able to pick up the slack for trips of less than six miles, sometimes more in some circumstances.

A spokesperson said: "Any residents who find it difficult to access the bus network due to mobility issues may be eligible for Ring and Ride, a door-to-door accessible minibus service."

For information on the changes to Local Link, go to tfgm.com/public-transport/bus/local-link/service-changes.

And for information on Ring and Ride, go to tfgm.com/public-transport/ring-and-ride-minibuses.