Future of bus route to beauty spot being reviewed

The future of bus services to a folk village and beauty stop at the southernmost tip of the Isle of Man is being reviewed, the infrastructure minister has said.

Bus Vannin's seasonal service to Cregneash and the Sound was last run in summer 2023 but was pulled after being deemed not financially viable.

The decision has been branded "short-sighted" by Arbory and Rushen Commissioners, and faced criticism for being at odds with the Manx government's tourism growth ambitions.

But Michelle Haywood said she was "definitely intending that there should be some level of service down there".

The latest update to timetables published by the government-owned bus company does not include the route.

The operator had previously applied to the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) to withdraw the service.

The RTLC has confirmed it has been advised by the Attorney General's Chambers that it had no legal powers to stop the bus operator from terminating the service, and only a formal letter of notification from Bus Vannin of its intention to scrap it was needed.

Prior to her appointment to the post of infrastructure minister Haywood, who is MHK for the area, had criticised the decision to pull the services completely in 2024.

In a statement this week, Arbory and Rushen Commissioners said both Cregneash and the Sound were "key" tourist sites, and the service played a "critical role" in allowing access to a "stunning" part of the island.

Reflecting on the current situation, Haywood said she had "a lot of sympathy" with the views expressed and had called for a "full review".

"I see a real need for a bus service that goes to Cregneash and then down to the Sound as well," she said.

"It's an immensely popular spot for people to visit and it's a real shame that we don't have public transport that serves it.

"I'm definitely reviewing the situation, I'm definitely intending that there should be some level of service down there."

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