CAMPAIGNING to save the X34 and X36 buses from being axed is being intensified by councillors after the services were given a stay of execution.

The services, from Irvine and Ardrossan to Glasgow, had been due to finish this month, however the Scottish Government extended their Network Support Grant nationally which meant Stagecoach could extend the service until October 1.

Councillor John Bell told a full North Ayrshire Council meeting last week: “This gives us a stay of execution to keep campaigning.

"I have had many letters from constituents pointing out the difficulties this will place on their working and home lives.

"One said it was a pivotal form of transport and the only viable form of transport if you live in Beith.

"A day ticket on the Stagecoach bus is £6.30.

READ MORE: Temporary lifeline for key bus routes as funding extends services until October

“But if she got the alternative, a bus and a train, that would be £14.90 per day, which she says is an unacceptable amount of money given the cost of living crisis and that gas and electricity costs have increased massively.

“Young people are being encouraged to use public transport over driving with free travel for under-23s but they would have no bus service to use.”

Garnock Valley Councillor Donald L Reid said: “If this service is not saved the Garnock Valley, which suffers disproportionately as a rural area, will suffer even more.

"We had a public meeting, which is the biggest one I have ever been at - attended by 200 people - and one woman said she would be unemployed if it didn’t run.

“It’s a lifeline service for this whole area."

READ MORE: Community meetings organised as opposition strengthens against bus route axe plans

A spokesperson for Stagecoach West Scotland previously told the Herald: "We have met with a number of our local MSPs to discuss the timetable changes from July.

"However, following discussions, we have committed to looking into whether there could be an opportunity to support a more limited connection service between Beith and Glasgow.

"No decision has been taken at this point regarding the introduction of a reduced or basic timetable, the X34/X36 remains unviable, and we must ensure that we have the most suitable bus networks in place for the long term.

"The future scope of the local bus network depends on people in local communities supporting the viability of services by using them, and by switching from the car to greener public transport as much as possible. We will keep customers and stakeholders informed once our assessment work has been completed."