PLANS to axe Kilbarchan’s direct bus service to Paisley and Glasgow have been ditched by McGill’s.

Last month, The Gazette told how the transport operator planned to withdraw the village’s number 38 service to Paisley and Glasgow from the end of May.

However, on Monday, the company published a statement on its social media channels to say changes to their original proposals have now been made.

It stated: “The 38 service will now continue to serve Kilbarchan in the morning and evening, providing more through journeys to Paisley and Glasgow.

“As well as 38A journeys in the morning and evening, the 38 will also continue to serve Johnstone in the evening, providing more direct buses between Spateston and Glasgow, via Paisley.”

The announcement follows recent criticism from several local councillors over the proposed timetable changes, which had previously been branded as “vicious cuts” by Councillor Andy Doig.

In response to the updated plans, the Johnstone North and Kilbarchan representative told The Gazette: “I think McGill’s should be aware that, at the end of the day, they can talk the talk but they need to be able to walk the walk.

“If the end result of their deliberations is what are essentially cuts to the service, it will be seen for what it is by people in Kilbarchan and Johnstone.”

The transport operator is now encouraging local residents to take part in online consultation meetings, with the next meeting scheduled to take place at 6.30pm tomorrow.

Councillor Derek Bibby, who also represents Johnstone North and Kilbarchan, said: “There is a lack of public awareness regarding these proposed changes that will not be overcome by a virtual consultation, as many of McGill’s older passengers do not have the technology to take part.

“These proposals need to be taken off the table pending the end of the pandemic and the opportunity for a full and proper public consultation.”

McGill’s had not responded to a request for comment as The Gazette went to press yesterday afternoon.

Anyone who would like to have their say on the proposed changes to the area’s bus services is invited to take part in one of the consultation meetings by visiting mcgillsbuses.co.uk.