The sword-wielding leader of the House of Commons has weighed in on the ongoing battle to save bus services in North Staffordshire.

It comes after First Bus announced savage cuts to services which could see places like Audley cut off when changes come into force from 2nd July.

Penny Mordaunt rose to prominence after she was seen carrying a ceremonial 17th-century sword during the King's coronation in May.

Responding to a question from Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Aaron Bell, she said any proposed changes to bus services must first be put to local people, and praised him for raising the matter in Parliament.

She said: "I congratulate my honourable friend on standing up for his local community.

"Whatever changes and adaptations are made to services, they need to be done in consultation with residents.

"If that has not happened, there needs to be a pause to enable that to happen.

"These are incredibly important services and that is why we have been backing local bus services with a further £300 million over the next two years, which includes £140 million to combat any indications of reductions in service."

Mr Bell has arranged an urgent meeting with the boss of First Bus, describing the reduction in services as unacceptable.

He said: "First Bus' significant reduction in services is unacceptable and leaves many local residents without access to public transport.

"I deplore the speed at which these changes will be introduced, with very little warning to customers. Many residents will face isolation if this lifeblood to the community is taken from them.

Newcastle-under-Lyme MP, Aaron Bell, described the cuts as 'unacceptable' (Nub News).

"It is not appropriate for bus companies to introduce changes to vital services after little or no consultation with residents.

"That is why I have brought this matter up in Parliament, urging First to reconsider their decision to cut these services.

"I am delighted that the minister agreed with me that First Bus should pause the changes and consult with local residents.

"I thank the managing director for meeting with me at such short notice, and I hope we can find a lasting and viable resolution on this matter that will support my constituents getting to work, college, GP and hospital appointments and visiting friends and family.

"I will continue to push for the residents of Audley, Wood Lane and Bignall End to receive efficient and reliable bus services."

First Bus said it was forced to cut services due to low usage – despite opposition from a number of local politicians.

Ian Smith, First Potteries' commercial director, said: "On Sunday 2nd July some of our services will be changing to coincide with how, when and where people are travelling by bus around the Potteries area.

"Some timetables will have minor frequency changes and some evening and weekend journeys are being withdrawn due to very low patronage at those times, but by working closely with Staffordshire County Council and Stoke City Council we have managed to retain some journeys with financial support.

"I realise that some of the upcoming changes may bring some inconvenience to the few people that use the bus at those times, but bus services need to be supported to secure sustainability and unfortunately in the areas affected by the changes, we have seen a decline in demand."

"We are starting to see early signs of patronage growth on some routes with the introduction of the government funded £2 single fare which is very positive, and we will be working closely with Stoke City Council to bring further fare initiatives over the coming weeks."

READ MORE: Stoke-on-Trent high school to get huge extension to cope with rising pupil numbers 

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