SNP denies misleading voters over bus services

The SNP has rejected claims of “misleading” voters over flagship plans to save local bus services from the axe.

Nationalist councillors in East Lothian want to see the local authority take over a raft of lifeline rural services, after transport giant First announced it was to close its Dalkeith depot with the loss of 200 jobs.

Liberal Democrats seized on comments by transport minister Keith Brown yesterday when he said the “law prevents” councils from running buses.

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But Paul McLennan, SNP leader of East Lothian Council, said the administration was looking at either using an operator’s licence to run buses or set up an arm’s-length firm.

“I think it would require a tweak in the legislation to allow us to do that,” Mr McLennan said yesterday. “The key thing is that there a couple of ways for us to deliver this. One is through the operator’s licence, either that or you look at setting up your own company.”

He added: “I’m surprised that the Lib Dems have taken this view.”

Lib Dem transport spokesman Jim Hume said Mr Brown’s comments revealed a “shameful” attempt to “pull the wool over the eyes” of voters.

Labour leader in East Lothian Willie Innes backs the proposals for the council to take over the running of buses.