POLITICIANS have held a meeting with Gwynedd County Council amid concerns over cuts for local bus services.

Arfon MP Hywel Williams and Assembly Member Sian Gwenllian have received complaints about bus services being substantially reduced following news that one of the area's major providers of buses, Express Motors, has lost its operating licence.

The politicans revealed that concerns have been raised in Dyffryn Nantlle, Carmel, Fron, Penisarwaun, Deiniolen, Nebo, Groeslon and parts of Caernarfon.

Gwynedd Council says it is taking positive steps to plan a long term, sustainable solution.

A joint statement released by Mr Williams and Ms. Gwenllian read: "Recently, we have been contacted by many constituents who are understandably concerned about changes to their local bus timetable.

"We have met with Gwynedd Council to pass on the specific issues which have followed the cuts as these are services which many rely on to go about their daily lives."

The council say that cuts to services were not driven by financial motives and that providing bus services in Gwynedd is now costing them an extra £400,000.

"We acknowledge the work being undertaken by Gwynedd Council to plug the gaps in service left by the termination of Express Motors’ licence and we are working with them to move forward towards a more sustainable arrangement." the statement added.

Cllr. Cemlyn Williams claimed that cuts to services were affecting his constituents in the Cadnant ward (Caernarfon).

"The cuts to services have had an effect on people. The biggest concern was not knowing what was going to happen following the Express Motors announcement." he explained.

"Some of the services in Caernarfon have been halved." he said.

"This means that where there was a bus available every half an hour before, it has now gone on to be every hour instead.

"We understand that Gwynedd Council are doing their best to find a solution to the cuts but it is affecting residents living here and we need a solution soon."

The situation at Express Motors saw the company list 28 of their buses, including double deckers, for sale on Ebay.

A spokesperson for the company said: "We have had no choice but to sell our vehicles after losing our licence.

"We had over 70 buses but they have now either been sold or have been put up for sale.

"We are going to have to start the business up from scratch if indeed we are ever going to re-open it."

The firm had its licence to operate revoked by the Traffic Commissioner for Wales last year.

Arriva Buses Wales have confirmed that they will be introducing new bus routes around parts of Bangor and Caernarfon as a result of Express Motorways Cessation.

For information on new timetables call Gwynedd Council on 01766 771000.