BUSES were top of the agenda when Labour’s Shadow Secretary for Transport, MP Michael Dugher came to Runcorn on Friday.

He joined Julia Tickridge, Labour’s general election candidate for Weaver Vale, as she met residents in Windmill Hill.

People of all ages shared their views on buses and explained how timetable and route restrictions pose problems for their everyday lives.

They said it is often difficult to get to appointments with doctors and hospitals.

Going to and from work, school, college, shopping and leisure activities, they said, relies on a frequent, reliable service.

There are currently no buses on the estate after 6pm.

Mrs Tickridge said: “Having access to affordable, reliable and appropriately routed bus services which integrate with other public transport is of vital importance to people.

“The next Labour government is committed to giving people ‘passenger power’ with regard to their bus services.”

She said Labour plans to devolve powers and budgets to the regions.