Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) announced a number of alterations to bus services in the area – including the loss of a Local Link service in Partington.

It comes after operator Little Gem announced the withdrawal of a number of routes in the boroughs of Manchester, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford on April 22.

TfGM rushed to cover bus services, in particular school services, on a short-term basis. The schools affected included Altrincham College, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College, Flixton Girls School, Loreto Grammar School, Sale Grammar School, St Ambrose College, Urmston Grammar School and Wellacre Academy.

On Sunday, it launched a number of alterations to bus services on a medium-term basis until the introduction of the Bee Network at the end of next year.

The changes include the withdrawal of the 44 between Altrincham and Manchester and the withdrawal of the 260 and the 262 around Ashton on Mersey.

Also withdrawn is the 288 between Altrincham and Manchester Airport although this is replaced by the extension of the X5 between Warrington and Manchester Airport.

The 280 runs between Altrincham and Partington rather than Altrincham and Sale but this part of the route is replaced by the CAT5 between Altrincham and Warrington.

Lastly there is the loss of a Local Link service in Partington, which allowed residents to book a minibus to access shops and other services in the area.

Nick Roberts, TfGM’s Head of Non-Franchised and Transition Bus Services, said: "I would like to thank all the operators who have worked with us during this difficult period, including those who stepped in the short and medium-term while more long-term solutions were explored.

"While we haven’t been able to replace all affected routes on a like-for-like basis due to issues around affordability, we believe the new arrangements provide improved connectivity for passengers."

Some of those affected by the loss of the Local Link service are eligible for the Ring and Ride service instead. For information go to the TfGM website. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.