BUS routes in Leigh run by Jim Stones Coaches will be taken over by other operators from next month.

Founders of the business Jim and Joan Stones announced in January that they were set to retire and put the firm up for sale, announcing a proposed date of closure and operation for Saturday, April 18.

And now Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said the 10 services it runs will be taken over by different operators from Sunday, April 19.

TfGM said it has worked to find replacement operators for the services, which serve areas such as Crankwood, Hag Fold and Lowton.

Four of the services will continue to run on a commercial basis and the rest will continue to be subsidised by TfGM.

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TfGM committee chairman, Councillor Mark Aldred, said: “Buses are a vital lifeline for many passengers across Greater Manchester, providing millions of journeys each year and accounting for three quarters of all public transport journeys.

“This is why it is vital that we help support bus users and, where possible, maintain transport links in areas where it is a strong social need.

“I’m delighted that, on this occasion, TfGM was able to find other operators to maintain these key links and I would like to personally thank Jim Stones for his contribution to public transport over three decades.”

Jim Stones Coaches has operated local bus services in the Leigh areas for more than 33 years

Full publicity of the replacement services will be available at www.tfgm.com/bus.