Bus services could be brought under the control of local government to end price rises and improve services on Merseyside.

Shadow secretary of state for transport Mary Creagh has suggested re-introducing regulated bus services controlled by local authorities, which would be able to force lower prices on firms, the Liverpool Echo reports.

This model has been successful in London - currently the only city in which it is employed - as its services are widely praised as being among the best in the UK.

Prices are considerably lower in the capital than in Merseyside, with a single adult fare costing over 50p less in London.

Chair of Merseytravel Liam Robinson welcomed the news, saying more local control of the Merseyrail network has shown what can be achieved. "Having the power to do more with our buses would be a major step forward," he added.