Your Skipton Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Gilbert O'sullivan

Get Down

Listen Live Podcasts

Skipton MP raises concerns over changes to 580 bus service

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 19:17

Julian Smith during the meeting with the councillors.

Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP, along with Cllrs Simon Myers and David Staveley, has met with Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire to raise concerns about the service.

During a meeting on Monday, 11th May, with Damion Edwards, Operations Director at KLCH, Julian highlighted the impact that the reduced timetable is having on communities along the route between Skipton and Settle.

Local residents have raised concerns about the effect on commuters, schoolchildren, and healthcare staff, as well as those attending medical appointments and carrying out everyday activities such as shopping and visiting family.

During the meeting, Mr Edwards outlined issues the company is facing in maintaining the previous timetable including passenger numbers outside of peak times, concessionary reimbursement rates, as well as recent rises in fuel prices.

The meeting follows Julian's letter to the Chancellor urging her to do what she can to mitigate the effects of these rises, due to the war in the Middle-East, on rural bus operators who are disproportionately impacted compared with their urban counterparts.

Speaking after the meeting, Julian said,

“I am concerned about the impact the reduction to the 580 service is having on residents across our rural communities.

"Reliable public transport is essential for people getting to work, school and vital appointments.

"I am grateful to Mr Edwards for meeting with me and outlining the challenges facing the operator, and to Cllr Myers and Cllr Staveley for clearly setting out residents’ concerns.

"While it was reassuring to hear that passenger numbers on the 580 route have remained stable, I will continue working with the operator, local councillors and others to help ensure our rural bus services are protected and supported.”

More from Local news

Strong A Level performance celebrated by county’s schools

Students across North Yorkshire are celebrating after receiving their A Level, BTEC and T Level results today (Thursday).
Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'

The main section of the new A59 Kex Gill route between Harrogate and Skipton is set to open within weeks.
Successful launch for Craven Court's new independent bookshop

A new independent bookshop has celebrated a successful first week in Skipton town centre.
Free family music workshops coming to Skipton this weekend

Families are being invited to take part in a series of free music workshops in Skipton this weekend.
Skipton streets targeted in £27,500 chewing gum clean-up

Busy areas of Skipton are set to receive a chewing gum clean-up after North Yorkshire Council secured £27,500 in new funding.
Police invite residents' views on Skipton Bus Station

Police are inviting residents to have their say on anti-social behaviour at Skipton Bus Station.
Rise in number of children in care contributes to Council's £10m overspend forecast

Costs due to a rise in the number of children in care has contributed to North Yorkshire Council forecasting a £10m overspend for the financial year.
Skipton coffee company celebrates top Great Taste award

Skipton-based Coffee Care is celebrating after receiving a coveted three-star Great Taste award for the third time.
Teenagers sentenced after terrifying knife-point robbery in Skipton

Two Keighley teenagers have been handed suspended prison sentences after luring a classmate to a Skipton park before threatening him with a knife, beating him and stealing more than £800.
North Yorkshire schools set for £6.8m improvement programme

School buildings across North Yorkshire could benefit from a £6.8 million programme of improvements as the council looks to tackle a growing backlog of repairs.
Skipton Business Awards finalists revealed after more than 1,200 nominations

Skipton BID has announced this year's Business Awards finalists after more than 1,200 nominations.
Yorkshire children invited to nominate their parents to be 'slimed' on CBBC

Children across Yorkshire are being invited to nominate an adult in their life to be covered in slime live on CBBC.
Fresh calls for school transport changes to be abandoned amid claim council is ignoring own policy

North Yorkshire Council is facing fresh calls to abandon its controversial new home-to-school policy after it emerged that the authority was not following its own rules on how to assess eligibility.
Funding agreed to progress work on Skipton leisure hub redevelopments

North Yorkshire Council has approved the release of £360,000 to progress plans redevelop two leisure centres.
Community rallies to help elderly driver find 'missing' car in Skipton

The Skipton community has been thanked for rallying together to help an elderly driver find his car after he forgot where he had parked it.
Dales Dazzler trail running event returns to Skipton

Runners are set to take on some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most scenic trails when the Punk Panther Dales Dazzler returns to Skipton later this month.
Everything you need to know about Skipton Pride this weekend

Skipton Pride returns tomorrow (Saturday 8th August) for a day of live music, drag performances and family-friendly entertainment.
Police appeal after driver forgets where car was parked in Skipton

A police appeal has been launched after the owner of a car forgot where it was parked in Skipton.
Shoplifter caught trying to dump stolen goods in Skipton bin

A man has been remanded in custody after allegedly trying to dispose of stolen goods in a rubbish bin while being watched by police in Skipton.
Councillor breaks national fundraising record with charity head shave

A North Yorkshire councillor has broken national records by raising more than £17,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after having head and beard shaved.