A PLAN to save a bus service in the north of Glasgow has been rejected by transport bosses.

The M3 which runs through Westercommon is due to be reduced to an hourly service next week to the anger of local residents and politicians.

It is the only bus connecting the area home to four multi storey flats and other housing and people would need to walk around half a mile to the nearest main road bus service.

Bob Doris, Glasgow SNP MSP, asked First Bus to consider diverting another service the 128 which runs along Saracen Street, into Westercommon to cover the reduction in the M3 service.

First Bus said at a meeting with the MSP they would give it consideration.

However the plan would need approval of SPT as the 128 is a subsidised route

Mr Doris and Maryhill and Springburn Labour MSP Patricia Ferguson have been lobbying First Bus to retain the current level of service which is mainly used by elderly or disabled people.

It is feared that if fewer people use the reduced service First will axe the route altogether.

Mr Doris asked first to halt the plan to reduce the service until the New Year.

He said: “My ideal solution is First Glasgow simply scrap plans to reduce the M3 service. I remain committed to that. However I am keen they look at a range of alternatives to ensure areas such as Westercommon do not lose out.

“Given that another service funded by SPT, the 128, passes along Saracen Street, it seems sensible to look at whether that service can be diverted into Westercommon to compliment the M3 provision.”

A spokeswoman for SPT said “Due to changes to the commercial provision of service M3 by First Glasgow, there has been a reduction in frequency from a half-hourly to an hourly service.

“Regrettably SPT does not have any powers of direction to compel First Glasgow to defer their decision and although the service has been reduced its continuation effectively means that SPT are not able to consider public subsidy.

"We did consider varying existing subsidised buses to supplement this reduction however the existing schedule would not permit the SPT subsidised service 128 to be altered in the manner suggested by Mr Doris.”

A spokeswoman for First said "We welcome Mr Doris' feedback however in the case of the subsidised 128, any decision on a change of route and timetable would be a matter for SPT."