Isle of Axholme Service 58 Changes

Back in February, North Lincolnshire Council cancelled their registration for the 58 Isle of Axholme local service connecting Wroot, Epworth, Belton, Sandtoft and Crowle. It hasn't however been withdrawn, nor tendered to a private sector operator - since Wednesday (10th April) the Wednesday and Friday only service has continued to be operated directly by North Lincolnshire Council with a reduced route and timetable. The service no longer serves Crowle, and the hours of operation are reduced from '0900 to 1340' to '1000 to 1245'. The new timetable is on the Traveline East Midlands website.

Not that this press release gives the impression of a reduced service; "New Route", "We have listened to residents and taken action", “I am sure this new route for the Isle Shopper will be very much welcomed by residents and it will provide another important link with the town centre of Epworth”. If the truth is that budget pressures have forced a reduced service, then why not be honest and say so? It can still be 'spun' as good news - e.g. 'under threat service saved from axe'.