MP ALAN Brown has blasted Stagecoach for axing the direct Cumnock to Glasgow service claiming it could restrict young people’s education .

The local MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has backed the Bring Back our Bus campaign in a bid to secure better education for locals .

He has concerns that the lack of good transport links between Mauchline, Cumnock, and surrounding areas will make them struggle to get to the city centre for university or college.

Alan Brown is now writing to the bus giant to let them see how much strain the town is under without having the life changing service.

It comes after Stagecoach axed the X76 direct service leaving locals feeling stranded and isolated’.

Despite over 500 signatures on a petition begging the bus to come back and multiple people coming forward saying they struggle without the bus, the private company insist there is no demand for the X76 to return.

Mr. Brown said: “I am very sympathetic to those in the Ballochmyle area who are left without their direct bus to Glasgow, after the route was scrapped by Stagecoach last year.

“A few constituents have raised this issue with my office, and of course I have been following the Chronicle’s campaign to bring back the service.

“I don’t think Stagecoach are really aware of the affect this had on so many people for working reasons.

“I am very sympathetic to those in the Ballochmyle area who are left without their direct bus to Glasgow, after the route was scrapped by Stagecoach last year.

"A few constituents have raised this issue with my office, and of course I have been following the Chronicle’s campaign to bring back the service. I don’t think Stagecoach are really aware of the affect this had on so many people for working reasons.

"There is also many people who will have to commute to Glasgow for university and college education.

"We are very proud that in Scotland higher education is a right and not a privilege, so it is disappointing this service cut could restrict young people from obtaining an education and bettering themselves.

"Therefore I have decided that I will write to SPT raising the concerns of my constituents and everyone in the area that it is imperative this bus service is reinstated.”

Stagecoach refused to comment.