West end residents are today celebrating a substantial victory in their campaign to save a vital local bus service, which was axed by First Glasgow last October.  

The Monday to Saturday Robroyston to Parkhall evening service, which previously ran through Kelvindale, was withdrawn by First bus in the 25 October service revisions, sparking outrage from many residents who were left without a bus home after 7pm.  

Ann McKechin MP, Bill Butler MSP and Kelvindale residents united to campaign against First Bus plans to withdraw the Number 11 evening service and reduce daytime frequency.

Together with local residents, the MP and MSP set up a household petition and collected over 800 signatures to show the bus company that local service sector workers coming home late and many elderly residents directly depend on the Number 11 service.

They also met with Kelvindale Community Council, Cllr Alistair Watson of SPT and the Director of First Bus in an effort to overturn the decision.

Now these efforts have paid off. Kelvindale will be served by a half hourly service during the day, and an hourly service during the evening thanks to £23,400 worth of support from SPT.

Ann said:

"I am delighted that we've won and the Number 11 has been saved. Kelvindale can take pride in the fact that our petition has won the day.

"This decision shows that when we fight back together, we can protect our community when it stands to lose out. I am proud to say that the number 11 is back - thanks to the passengers themselves."

Bill said:

“I am delighted with this result and applaud all those who stood up to be counted and signed our petition, including local councillors and Kelvindale Community Council.

"This is very much a case of a local community working together to protect much needed public services. It is a welcome victory for people power. It’s also important we acknowledge the role played by SPT in supporting this restored service”