CHRONICLE readers have hit out at potential cuts to the number 42 bus between Ayr, Cumnock and Muirkirk on social media.

A public information event was held at Ayr Town Hall on Monday, October 29 after Stagecoach announced a raft of proposed timetable changes.

The changes would affect early and late night placing journeys which usually carry very low passenger numbers and wouldn’t take place until January.

Shaun Lowrie summed up the mood on Facebook. He said: “Lets hold it in Ayr Town Hall, meaning folk from Muirkirk who need to travel to have their say will have a 50 mile round trip. Absolutely disgusting.”

Of the proposed changes to the 42 service, Stagecoach had said: “As a result of moving some journeys to our premises in Cumnock we propose to remove some early and late night placing journeys.”

The Chronicle understands that these changes will not affect the 5.55am and 7.15am services from Cumnock or the 7am service from Muirkirk.

Instead, the four scheduled services leaving Ayr before 7.30am would be cut, as would the two services leaving Cumnock after 11.30pm. The 10.47pm service from Muirkirk to Cumnock would be unaffected.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Jeane Freeman said: “I’m led to believe that these changes will affect early morning departures commencing from Ayr before 7am and I have written to Stagecoach seeking assurances that there will not be a reduction in peak morning departures out of Cumnock and Muirkirk.”