Update

Catch 22 GX54DWO entered service on 1 November - the first of the four ex Stagecoach Midlands Darts to see service (Philip Higgs)

The first of Catch 22's new Darts has entered service, GX54DWO carries an advert for Hounds Hill Centre and made its debut on 1 November. The previous day a Versa failure saw open top Olympian P534EFL drafted into keep the 24 running! 

Perhaps the most unexpected working of the year, Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian P534EFL covered for a Versa on the 24 on 31 October (Philip Higgs)

Preston Bus are continuing to provide a variety of buses from its Blackpool outstation. Peter Turner has reported the following present on 21 October: Volvo B12B 11523/5, Mercedes 12000 and 14003, Ford Transits 15039/41, Optare Solos, 20769/73/86, 20831/75, Dennis Tridents 40005/9/12 and Volvo B9TL 40503.

Blackpool Transport continues to dispose of its surplus buses. 362 was collected by Dekkabus on 25 October with a new registration Y829YBV, but unfortunately was damaged in a multi vehicle collision on the M6 later that day. Dekkabus has since, collected 354 and 359 on 1st November. The final Manx Trident, 353, left on 3rd November collected by The Busman Ltd of Knutsford, set up by Adrian Morton former owner of Morton's Travel (where he bought Blackpool 225, 333 and 335) and today it was in use on rail replacement work! 

The era of ex Blackpool Solos at Halton has ended with the withdrawal of their 57 last month - it awaits disposal and has reverted to V272HEC. 

Service changes took place today as planned, however an expected closure of the Promenade at Talbot Square from 5 November has been put back to 12th November. The 3 and 4 are using Topping Street again to access Dickson Road from the 5th, while the 5, 6 and 7 are using temporary stops on the Promenade. Also from the 5th, the stops outside Wilko reopen and will be served by northbound 5, 6, 7, 9 and 14.

The town centre routes from 12th November are:

• 1 terminates at Queen Street, terminates via Promenade, Pleasant Street, Dickson Road, Springfield Road, Abingdon St, Queen St and back via Dickson Road to Pleasant St
• 2, 2C, 18 and 19 arrive via Church St, St Johns Square to Abingdon St then return via Talbot Road, Cookson St, George St, Grosvenor St Church St
• 3 and 4 to Cleveleys from Church St via Topping St and Dickson Road
• 3 and 4 to Mereside from Dickson St, via Pleasant St, Promenade, Springfield Road, Abingdon St (stop), Queen St, Dickson Road, Talbot Road, Cookson St, George St, Grosvenor St, Church St or Park Road
• 5 to Halfway House and 7 to St. Annes from Talbot Road via Cookson St (stop outside council offices), George St, Grosvenor Street, Church St (stop), South King St, Adelaide St, Coronation St (stop), Reads Avenue, Central Drive
• 5 to Hospital and 7 to Cleveleys from Promenade via Church St, Corporation St, Clifton St (stop), Abingdon St, Talbot Road (stop Wilko)
• 6 to Mereside from Caunce St via Grosvenor Street, Church St (stop), South King St, Adelaide St, Coronation St (stop), Reads Avenue, Central Drive
• 6 to Grange Park from Promenade via Church St, Corporation St (stop), Clifton St, St Johns Square, Caunce Street (stop)
• 9 and 14 terminate at Queen Street turning via Talbot Road, Dickson Road, Springfield Road, Abingdon St to Queens Street then back via Dickson Road to Talbot Road (prior to 5th November these have used High Street/Springfield Road)
• 11 and 17 terminate at Market St turning via Church St, Corporation St, West Street.
• Catch 22 Service 21 to St. Annes via Promenade, Springfield Road, Abingdon St, Queen St, Dickson Road, Talbot Road, Cookson Street, Caunce St, Grosvenor St, Church St, South King St, Adelaide St, Coronation St, Reads Avenue, Central Drive, New Bonny St to Promenade
• Catch 22 Service 21 to Cleveleys via Promenade, Church St, Corporation St, Clifton St, Abingdon St, Queen Street, Dickson Road