BUS chiefs have defended cuts and changes to services around Huddersfield.

Certain services – said to be uneconomic or poorly used – have been axed or altered from this weekend.

West Yorkshire bus operator Metro claims it has been forced into cuts due to pressure on funding.

Metro chairman Clr James Lewis said the changes were necessary due to a squeeze on its £20 million budget.

He added: “Metro has carried out consultations throughout the district to get the views of bus passengers and has worked extensively with the bus operators to reduce costs with limited impact upon customers.

“We have been very pleased with the interest shown and the useful ideas we have received.

“Following the feedback we were able to change many of the initial proposals.

“We have been able to ensure most areas will continue to have a similar level of bus service as at present.

“We have only reduced or withdrawn very poorly used services where continued public funding could not be justified.”

Various timetable and route changes on services around Huddersfield will take effect from tomorrow.