First York is to add to the wave of bus service cuts made last year when it cuts the operation of the No. 13 service to Monks Cross in August. It is now set to end at Elmfield Avenue, ruling out trips for many to Monks Cross.

The decision is a huge blow to those people living in Heworth ward who relied upon the service both to get into the city centre but also to get to Monks Cross to the shops.

Ward councillor Ruth Potter reacted to the news saying:

"This is another major letdown from the major bus company in York who we know is only interested in running those services that are profitable. This is one of the consequences of the Lib Dems failing to seriously consider a Quality Bus Contract that would give the council more of a say over frequency of services and fare levels.

"Officers have told me that the process for withdrawing services has changed since the Government removed the requirement for bus operators to consult with the council. So now we have a situation where First has informed the Traffic Commisioner, but ignored the council, ward councillors and residents in taking this decision. It is disgusting and leaves residents high and dry yet again".

Councillors were given assurances services were safe after a number of bus service cuts were made last year, but the No. 13 will now only operate to Elmfield Avenue in Heworth, will return via Malton Road and Heworth Green, so will result in a service that will now only gets people to parts of Heworth from the city centre.

"This is barely a service in its new form given that is also cuts early morning and evening services on the route into Heworth" said Coun. Potter. "I'm appalled at the working relationship the bus company has with the council when it has no dialogue whatsoever about cuts like this. Residents deserve far better treatment".