People power has persuaded county council bosses to hold further consultation on plans to slash the frequency of two bus services.

The decision follows a meeting of North Yorkshire’s Craven area committee, where a packed hall in Cross Hills voiced strong opposition to proposals to cut the 78A Skipton to Keighley via Bradley and Cononley and the SS1 services from Low Bradley to Steeton and Silsden railway station.

The meeting agreed to call on bosses in Northallerton to delay allocating the bus service contracts to give more time for residents to express their views.

Residents will now be given until the end of this month to prepare and present their comments and suggestions about the two services.

A county council spokesman said although the council sought comments from local councillors in November, the extended consultation period would allow the wider community to look carefully at the proposals.

County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for public transport, said: “Our judgement is that the level of service we have proposed is appropriate for the level of usage. The additional cost to the council of retaining present service levels is almost £200,000 a year.”

County Councillor Patrick Mulligan, who represents Airedale, said he applauded the county council’s decision.

“I don’t want to get hopes too high, but now everbody will have a chance to represent their opinions.”

He said the original consultation went out to 259 consultees and got 58 responses. Later meetings in Cononley and Bradley had far better responses.

He said it was planned to hold public meetings before the consulation deadline to give people a chance to air their views.

And South Craven county councillor Philip Barrett said: “I’m pleased the county council is consulting on its proposed changes to the 78A and SS1 services. They are both essential bus services for our local communities that have generated substantial public interest.”

Comments should be sent in writing, by Monday, February 27, to Integrated Passenger Transport, North Yorkshire County Council, County Hall Northallerton DL7 8AH or by e-mail to passenger.transport@northyorks.gov.uk.