NORTH Cornwall’s MP has launched a campaign to keep Cornwall connected after one of the county’s key cross-country bus services has been axed.  

Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP has launched a campaign to save one of North Cornwall’s only bus services to the capital. 

National Express recently announced that it would be ending its 503 bus service between Penzance and London as of September 1.  

The service runs from London all the way down to Penzance, making some key stops at Exeter, Okehampton, Launceston, and Newquay, among others. 

For residents in Launceston, this is a particularly frustrating loss, with no nearby train stations. 

As well as this, the decision is a big hit for travellers, as the route also feeds into Heathrow Airport, perfect for those taking a trip overseas. 

Following the announcement, the Post contacted National Express for a comment on the matter. 

A spokesperson for National Express, said: ”National Express 503 service between Penzance and London will cease to operate from September 1. This change is part of a comprehensive review of our national network and unfortunately the 503 service is commercially unviable.  

“We appreciate that some people will be disappointed by this change. Although there are no immediate plans to reinstate the service, we will keep this decision under review. As an alternative the 504 service continues to operate, connecting Penzance to London via Bodmin, Liskeard and Tideford.” 

However, now North Cornwall’s MP is on a mission to get the service reinstated.  

In a statement, Mr Maguire said: “I've had many constituents get in touch regarding the cancellation of the National Express 503 service between London and Penzance. This route for those in certain areas, such as Launceston (with no nearby railway station or other coach routes), served as a very useful transport method indeed. 

“But now that the 503 service is being scrapped, residents and visitors alike will have to travel even further to be connected to the rest of the country.  

“That's why today, I'm launching a campaign in Parliament to bring the service back - and urge National Express to even consider additional routes through the towns of Bodmin, Bude, Camelford, Launceston, Padstow, St Columb Major and Wadebridge. 

“I'm also calling on the government to consider taking steps to ensure that inter city coach services are available to people living in and around towns in rural areas like North Cornwall that are not served by mainline rail services. 

“I'll keep you all posted with my progress as the work is done - including the submission of an Early Day Motion to get the topic into Parliament ASAP for my constituents who are affected by the cancellation.”