Alistair Strathern, Labour MP for the new constituency of Hitchin, has welcomed bus service provider Arriva's commitment to reverse irs decision on stopping bus services to the village of Lilley, after he met with Arriva this week.

Lilley had been cut off from bus services after a decision from Arriva to stop serving the village's bus stop.

This left residents, including the vulnerable, elderly and children, without access to local amenities and schools.

Residents seeking to use buses had to walk a dangerous route across sloping overgrown grass verges, next to 60mph roads, without a footpath, just to get to the next closest stop.

Having made the decision without consultation, Arriva had been pressed by local campaigners and Mr Strathern to reverse the unpopular decision.

Campaigners had highlighted the devastating impact the cut to services was having on residents old and young alike who had relied on the bus stop.

Arriva have now confirmed in a meeting with Alistair Strathern MP this Wednesday (24^th July) that they will be restarting services to Lilley on the 22^nd September, and will be writing to residents who have been in touch to communicate this.

Mr Strathern MP said: "I welcome Arriva's decision to see sense and restore crucial bus services to Lilley.

"Having grown up in a small village myself, I know how important local bus services are to ensuring no one, old or young, becomes isolated in the place they call home.

"I want to congratulate residents on running such a successful campaign to highlight the impact this cut to services would have and look forward to working with them to hold Arriva to account for delivering this commitment.

"I look forward to working with the new Labour government on their plans to make sure everyone in our towns and villages has access to an affordable, reliable bus service."