A PETITION with hundreds of signatures is to be handed to Bus bosses to retain a service through a Glasgow community.

The Evening Times reported last week how the M3 which goes through Springburn and Possilpark is to be reduced from a half hourly to an hourly service.

Local people and politicians fear it will be cut altogether as people look for alternative transport.

It is the only bus serving the Westercommon area of Possilpark and will leave people with a walk of more than half a mile to the nearest main road service.

Bob Doris Glasgow SNP MSP and local people in Westercommon have organised a petition to be sent to the bus firm asking to keep the service unchanged.

Mr Doris asked for another service the 128 to be re-routed to cover the reduction in the M3.

SPT said that was not possible and that the M3 could not be subsidised as the service was not being withdrawn completely.

In a letter to Mr Doris first said SPT had not suggested a solution or funding to retain the service on a half hourly basis.

SPT responded to the MSP by stating it would not act as the reduction to an hourly service does not meet criteria for intervention.

It stated: “Whilst there has been a reduction in frequency we do not propose to take any action as the hourly residual service continues to satisfy the test SPT works to in determining whether there is reasonable access to public transport for local services and amenities.”

He said: “They are passing the buck between themselves. First has a responsibility to the communities they serve and SPT has a strategic role.

“It is surprising they have not got round a table to discuss bus services in this area.

“The sooner they do the better for the people who need this service.

“In the meantime I am calling for a stay of execution for the M£ until a suitable alternative can be agreed.”