A COUNCILLOR campaigning to cut unnecessary road diversions and closures in rural areas is angry that a recent works led to the temporary loss of a bus service.

Residents in Hudswell in the Upper Dales were left without their twice daily Little Bus Service to Richmond for three days due to utilities work.

The diversion put in place to avoid the works was a 14-mile route that could not be incorporated into The Little White Bus schedule.

In addition, a three-week closure was also requested between Gunnerside and Muker, leaving residents worried that they would be without the vital route for that period.

Road closure signs remained in place even when the road was open causing confusion for residents and visitors alike.

Councillor John Blackie described the affair as ‘a shambles’ and once again called on North Yorkshire County Council’s highways department to do more to prevent unnecessary closures.

He also wants clearer signage and better communication with residents about the closures.

Cllr Blackie said: “This is an absolute shambles and the communities I represent are sick and tired and thoroughly cheesed off for having their time and their fuel wasted making huge and unnecessary diversions around phantom road closures.”