People turned out in good numbers last week to hear calls for a new era in bus services for North Ayrshire.

Kilwinning Bowling Club hosted a public meeting organised by the Better Buses Strathclyde Campaign and Irvine and North Ayrshire Trades Union Council.

Representatives from the Better Buses Strathclyde Campaign outlined their current campaign to persuade the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to use new powers in the Transport Act 2019.

Around 40 people headed along to hear about the ambitious plans.

And Kilwinning councillor Donald Reid spoke from the platform as he represents North Ayrshire Council on  the SPT.

Susan Galloway from the Better Buses Campaign said: “Under these new powers, the SPT can plan bus services to serve local communities and make bus fares more affordable. It also gives the SPT powers to set up a publicly owned bus company.”

Arthur West, acting secretary of Irvine and North Ayrshire Trades Union said: “We are pleased that the meeting was well attended and it resulted in a number of concerns about local bus services being raised.

Mr West confirmed that the Trades Council will be giving its full support to bringing in a new era for local bus services following the meeting.

He added:  “There is an urgent need for reliable and affordable bus services in North Ayrshire – and the trades council will continue working with Better Buses Strathclyde to improve bus services across North Ayrshire.”