BUS firm McGill's will continue to provide the 530 bus service between Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow until July, it has been announced.

The company had recently issued a notice to say the service was to cease on January 21, because it was not financially viable.

Councillor David Wilson, chair of the operations committee, vowed to save the service and later confirmed that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) was stepping in to provide a subsidy to extend the service until the summer.

A spokesperson for SPT said: "Following the disappointing announcement by McGill's that it is withdrawing the commercial 530 service, SPT issued a temporary tender to cover aspects of the 530 service operating between Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow.

"Further to this exercise, McGill's – who were the sole bidder – were subsequently awarded the contract which will run from Monday 23 January until Saturday 15 July 2023."

Councillor Wilson today welcomed the reprieve, saying it comes at a time when there is widespread anxiety over the future of bus services.

He says he is relieved that a link between Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow, including the town's retail park, will be maintained by public transport.

Mr Wilson, who is also chair of the SPT operations committee, told the Tele: “I am delighted that SPT has been able to put in place a temporary contract which will see the 530 service run until July this year.

"Obviously the state of the bus market across Scotland is of significant concern right now.

"While I understand operators need to run commercial services at a profit, we cannot expect SPT to step in to fund all services that may be affected by sudden commercial decisions that lead to service cuts.

"This vital support from SPT will, however, ensure the communities of Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow remain connected by public transport.”