TRAVEL bosses have stepped in to help save a Glasgow-Clydebank bus route that was facing the axe.

But there are still concerns over the running times of buses in the Broomhill and Thornwood areas.

The Evening Times reported last month that Glasgow Citybus was withdrawing its 141 service - which ran from Parkhall to Partick - and the 140 (Whitecrook to Radnor Park) because of cost issues.

Talks got under way with SPT - and now the service has been partially saved.

In a statement the transport body said it was working with Avondale Coaches to cover part of the service between Parkhall and Clydebank on Mondays to Saturdays.

SPT is also providing transport links between Partick, Broomhill and Gart­navel Hospital, Monday-Saturday, in services operated by Stagecoach Western Buses.

Changes have also been made to the existing 184 SPT subsidised service, which will now serve parts of Whitecrook affected by the withdrawal of services 141 and 140.

The move has been welcomed by the community.

However, people living in Thornwood say they only have a service until 3pm during the week.

Many of the elderly residents in the area rely heavily on public transport because they find the steep hills too difficult to walk up. They use it to visit the shops, as well as travelling to and from Gartnavel Hospital.

Malcolm Balfour, councillor for Drumchapel/Anniesland, who is the SNP group transport spokesman, said: "It is not ideal. The service needs to go beyond 3pm and we are trying to find a solution."

Senga O'Donnell, 69, who lives in Thornwood, said: "It is okay if you are coming home before 3pm but what if your appointment is after that or you are coming home from work?

"It is exhausting getting up the hill to Thornwood with your messages - and some people can't manage it. They now have to get a taxi if the bus is not on."

Local people hope the service times can be extended.

Mr Balfour said: "It would make a big difference if the service ran until 6pm instead of stopping mid-afternoon."

Councillor Jim Coleman, SPT chairman, said: "Limited public funds means we cannot replace the service in its entirety but I am delighted SPT has been able to again step in to find a solution.

"We can now at least guarantee the travel needs of the community are served while delivering best value for the public purse.

"It is also great to see a commercial operator will deliver part of this service."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk