Stagecoach is set to axe vital bus routes across North Ayrshire, prompting the area's MP to write to the company's boss in a bid to urge a rethink of the plans.

The company has confirmed that the X36 service, between Ardrossan and Glasgow, and the X34 route, between Irvine and Glasgow - which both connect Dalry, Kilbirnie, Kilwinning and Beith to the city - are due to be dropped from July 17.

The news has caused shock and concern for many in the affected areas who rely on these services for their daily commute.

In response, MP for North Ayrshire and Arran Patricia Gibson says she is "extremely concerned" over the proposals and she has written to the company's managing director for the west of Scotland, Fiona Doherty, urging a rethink and to request a meeting to discuss the issue.

READ MORE: North Ayrshire youngsters can sign up for free bus travel

In a statement on social media, Ms Gibson said: "Everyone, from old age pensioners, those living with disabilities, those seeking work, those travelling to and from work and college, who rely on public transport will be adversely affected by these proposals which have been announced without any public consultation.

"You will be aware that it was only in recent years that significant cuts were made to services in North Ayrshire and to see yet more proposals for yet more cuts is deeply disappointing and very alarming to my constituents and those who rely on these services."

READ MORE: Stagecoach: Ayrshire bus services cancelled due to 'driver shortages'

The cuts would also be a major blow for students under 22, who would no longer be able to take advantage of the Scottish Government's free bus travel scheme for their commute to university or college on these routes.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach West Scotland said: “The new network reflects the new travel patterns we have seen coming out of the pandemic, current levels of passenger demand, rising costs, sector-wide recruitment challenges and the need to ensure the most sustainable bus network for the long term.

“We remain absolutely committed to working with Scottish Government and local authority partners, as well as other stakeholders, to deliver the best networks we can for local communities, taking account of the current difficult environment and the changes we have seen in when and how people travel. 

"Information on changes to our network are available via stagecoachbus.com/service-updates/west-scotland.”

More specifically, the company explained: "Following the pandemic passenger numbers still remain significantly lower, the X34 and X36 service failed to cover its costs pre-pandemic and in order to protect the wider network, we can no longer operate unsustainable services."

In the statement surrounding the soon to be cancelled services on Stagecoach's website, they provide guidance for customers still wish to access the areas the routes service.

It reads: "Customers travelling locally around Garnock Valley between Bourtreehill and Beith, will continue to be able to travel on board Services 25, 25A/B/C.

"Those living within the Three towns area will be able to travel on Service 11 or Service 585."

For travel to Glasgow, the company recommends using the X76 from Kilmarnock bus station.