A petition objecting to the replacement of regular buses to Jurby with dial-a-ride has been submitted to the Road Transport Licensing Committee.

The RTLC is due to consider the application by Bus Vannin next month.

Public transport bosses insist the ConnectVillages dial-a-ride trial in the north has been a big success.

But critics claim its proposed extension to Jurby could lead to the village being ’cut off’ when the regular buses at off-peak times are replaced by minibuses that have to be booked in advance.

Questions about the changes to regular bus services in the north were due to be raised in the House of Keys today (Tuesday) by Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.

A petition containing 146 signatures objecting to the granting of the licence application, together with 31 letters, have been sent to the RTLC, Bus Vannin and Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer by campaigner Louise Whitelegg.

She said: ’There are a large amount of legitimate objections - no consultation, uncertainty and ability to get to emergency help/same day appointments.’

The application was due to be heard this week but the date has been put back to April 11 due to the objections.