A BUS company has reversed a controversial timetable change that left residents east of York stranded.

The service to the village of Dunnington, operated by East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS), has been restored after the intervention of Selby MP John Grogan.

The Evening Press reported in September that the 744 and 746 services between York and Pocklington had been altered to serve the University of York and reduce journey times, bypassing the village of Dunnington.

The buses, described as "lifelines" by elderly Dunnington residents, were redirected to the university to meet demand from students and staff living in Pocklington, Wilberfoss and Kexby Bridge - but the changes left passengers in Dunnington without any eastbound public transport.

An alternative service, run by bus company First, continued to operate between Dunnington and York, but village residents who enjoyed travelling to Pocklington and Wilberfoss for the day, to shop and meet friends, were left stranded.

Following the Evening Press report, Mr Grogan wrote to EYMS commercial manager Bob Rackley, urging him to reconsider.

Now the bus company has confirmed the route of the 744 service will be changed back to cover Dunnington once more.

Mr Rackley said the company revised the changes after receiving a number of letters from concerned residents. He said: "We have looked at the various journeys that would go through Dunnington, and we have listened to peoples' views. From January 9, the 744 service will be routed once again through the village of Dunnington. This service will provide connections for shopping while still leaving a faster service at other times."

Mr Grogan welcomed the restoration of the service. He said: "I am delighted that East Yorkshire Motor Services have listened to local people and decided to restore a service to Dunnington. I am confident that they have made some of their long-standing customers very happy indeed."

From January 9 next year, buses from York to Bridlington will pass through Dunnington at 9.20am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 3.45pm and 6.55pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11.20am, 3.20pm and 7.20pm on Sunday.

Buses towards York will pass through the village at 10.25am, 12.25pm, 4.25pm, 6.05pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10.25am, 2.25pm and 6.25pm on Sunday.

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, November 24, 2004