Andrew Bridgen, the Independent MP for North West Leicestershire, has demanded the reinstatement of a local bus route to restore services to the village of Whitwick.

The Arriva 16, 29 and 29A routes used to pass through the village centre, but have been recently re-routed, meaning a lengthy walk for residents to get to routes that used to be in easy reach. 

Mr Bridgen told Transport Minister Guy Opperman, in the House of Commons, that hundreds of people had signed a petition to return the services to their original routes. 

He said: "As the House will know the word democracy comes from the Greek demos, people and kratos, power - power to the people.

"The 1,200 people in North West Leicestershire who signed a petition for the reinstatement of the number 16, 29 and 29A bus services are not feeling very empowered. 

"Despite a very well run campaign, there's no movement from Arriva or Leicestershire County Council."

Organisers of a petition to re-instate bus services in Whitwick are hoping to put pressure on Arriva by getting signatures from local people.

You can sign campaigner Jacky McNeice's petition HERE - and there is also a second petition HERE,

The campaign has the support of Whitwick councillor Tony Gillard as well as Andrew Bridgen.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: "We're aware of the petition to Arriva following their commercial decision to re-route the Whitwick service.

"As part of our regular dialogue with them, we'll now explore any potential opportunities to improve access for the residents there. Community transport continues to be available to any residents with mobility issues."