A MUCH-needed bus service linking communities in and near Leominster will continue to run thanks to support from parish councils and the voluntary sector.

HVOSS has stepped in to help provide the 427 service from Bodenham to Leominster following Herefordshire Council's withdrawal of subsidy, working in partnership with Leominster Town Council, Humber, Ford and Stoke Prior Group Parish Council and Bodenham Parish Council.

Operating under its transport brand Community Wheels, HVOSS will start the service on September 2, on Fridays only initially – though should demand increase then extra services may be introduced in the future.

Passengers will need to register with Community Wheels and pre-book a seat, with fares set in line with those charged previously on the 427 service.

Passengers will then be picked up from bus stops that have been pre-arranged as collection points. The service will operate for six months as a pilot and if successful it will be extended into 2017.

Paul Russell, Leominster Town Council clerk, said: "The service will benefit the town and its traders, including the market stall holders, as well as passengers who will use the service.

"Special thanks should go to Philip Brown, clerk to Humber, Ford and Stoke Prior Group Parish Council.

"Without his input this project would not have succeeded. Thanks also to all the members of Leominster Town Council, Humber, Ford and Stoke Prior Group Parish Council and Bodenham Parish Council who have agreed to help support this service.”

Gareth Blackett, interim CEO at HVOSS said the organisation was 'delighted' that parish councils had supported Community Wheels to help rural communities around Leominster access the essential goods and services they need to live independently.

"We are keen to develop similar services with parishes across Herefordshire so we would ask any councils with transport requirements to contact us in the first instance," he said.

To register to use the service and to book a place on the bus contact Community Wheels on 01568 617722 or email linda.jones@hvoss.org.uk