Efforts to replace the cancelled Dalry Number 10 bus service could be a step closer after Councillor Joy Brahim arranged discussions with Stagecoach.

The councillor for Dalry and West Kilbride will meet with Stagecoach West Scotland to help the bus operator understand local concerns and to discuss the community needs, in particular utilising their Service 25.

The Herald reported recently that Shuttle Buses’ decision to discontinue the Number 10 angered residents who rely on the service, prompting Councillor Brahim to start a petition.

Councillor Brahim said: “I was pleased to have a constructive dialogue with Stagecoach West Scotland last week and am grateful for their efforts to investigate whether it is possible for them to step in and provide additional buses on the route in question.

“My petition attracted over 220 signatures in a matter of days as it was in Dalry library and I will be visiting Shuttle Buses to hand it over later this week.

“I am aware that their situation does not allow them to sustain the route, but we agree that the concerns voiced by particularly older people in Dalry should be acknowledged and - as far as I’m concerned - alleviated as much as possible.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Stagecoach and hope the gap can be filled for those who depended on the previous service.”

Stagecoach West Scotland managing director, Fiona Doherty, said: “The Service 25 from Irvine to Beith is currently a mixture of commercial and tendered operations and whilst Stagecoach cannot commit to anything at this early stage, it will carry out a review to see what is commercially feasible.

“In the interim the Service 25, X34 and X36 provide services in Dalry to the majority of the stops previously served by the 10 service, albeit on a lesser frequency.”