Renfrewshire bus routes in danger ahead of public meeting

Bus giant McGill's will hold an open discussion with customers from across the region about potential changes to the number 23 and X23 services.

The buses are a highly important link for residents in Erskine, Inchinnan, and Renfrew, to Glasgow, but chiefs at the Greenock based firm have refused to rule out the possibility that the services will be cancelled altogether. 

The 23 and X23 route (soure: McGill's)

The news comes fresh off the back of the impending closure of the McGill's Barrhead depot and head office operations at their Inchinnan base.

READ MORE: Victory for campaign to have axed Erskine bus stops reinstated

Bosses at the firm have confirmed that they are also staging a review that could see some local bus routes axed in a bid to save cash. 

Ralph Roberts, managing director, previously said: "Falling bus use locally, and all across the UK, is causing bus companies everywhere to find ways of delivering services with significantly reduced revenues.

A number of fake posters had appeared in Erskine saying the services were to stop

"Additionally, the higher costs due to congestion and new regulatory burdens are eating into those reduced revenues." 

McGill's has come under fire for cuts to services in Renfrewshire and just last year the popular 101 service was stopped, while over 600 people signed a petition calling on the firm to reinstate the direct link between Renfrew and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

READ MORE: Councillors demand Renfrew bus link to hospital reinstated

Elsewhere, a late service between Lochwinnoch and Glasgow was cancelled and service changes were made in Johnstone. 

Ahead of the meeting, local councillors have called on people to attend and share their views with bus bosses.

READ MORE: Hunt for thieves who stole McGill's bus and tore up Renfrew fields

Cllr Michelle Campbell, who represents Erskine and Inchinnan, said: "The service is highly important to the local communities across Erskine & Inchinnan. 

"From those that commute to Glasgow, to those that utilise this service for direct hospital access to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. 

"Both myself and fellow local Councillor Iain Nicolson hope not to see any changes which would be of detriment to the communities of Erskine and Inchinnan.

"Unfortunately, McGills have not shared any information of their proposals with either myself or Cllr Iain Nicolson. 

Cllr Michelle Campbell is encouraging users to attend the meeting

"We do not want to speculate as to what is to be proposed, we both will be attending the public meeting on Wednesday evening and encourage all constituents to attend." 

McGill's has been contacted for comment.

The public meeting takes place on Wednesday at the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew, from 7pm.