Leicestershire County Council has responded to the cancellation of two bus routes serving the Ashby, Coalville and Castle Donington areas.

North West Leicestershire MP Amanda Hack spoke to the House of Commons last week to voice concerns about the decision.

The services affected are the 125 service from Castle Donington to Leicester (via Coalville), and the 129 from Ashby de la Zouch to Loughborough.

But the County Council say there is a chance of the 129 being restored.

It is also understood that the 125, in its current form with the current operator is ending, but there will be a replacement service.

The 129 passes through Newbold Coleorton, Griffydam and Osgathorpe before heading to Belton and Loughborough.

While the 125 includes Coalville, Hugglescote, Ellistown and Markfield.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council told Coalville Nub News: "Just to confirm that the 129 is a commercial bus service, and while there is some subsidy from us, it's not our contract. 

"While Diamond may be ending the contract, we are re-tendering to replace the service.

"More information should be available soon on who will be taking up the contract to provide the service, but it's important to note that there shouldn't be any disruption between Diamond and the new service.

"We do have some Sustainable Travel Roadshows across Leicestershire to discuss upcoming bus service changes as part of the county-wide Bus Network Review. 

"The events will also have bus information, like timetables and maps.

"We're also in the process of getting someone sorted to run the 125, but the main message is that it will be continuing. We'll have information available online and at the roadshows mentioned when it's in place."

The North West Leicestershire dates are:

• Tuesday 6th May, Ibstock Baptist Church 10:00-12:00

• Tuesday 6th May, Coalville Library 15:00-17:00

• Wednesday 7th May, Market Bosworth Village Hall 13:00-15:00

• Wednesday 14th May, Measham Village Hall 11:00-14:00

MP Hack has also issued an update on social media.

She said: "Great to meet with Simon Lightwood MP, the Minister for Local Transport. We managed to talk about our rural services, reviewing college and school routes that are run commercially, alongside discussing the upcoming buses bill.

"This legislation will enable local authorities to take direct control over routes, timetables, connections and fares in the future. As a government we are committed to safeguarding our bus services, which is why we have already provided an additional £8million to Leicestershire County Council to help end the postcode lottery when it comes to our local buses.

"I am still awaiting further updates on the 129 and 125 routes, but my understanding is that discussions are ongoing to try and safeguard these services. However, no new agreements are yet in place.

"As soon as I have any further information, I will share this with everyone."