THE two bus companies set to take over the services in Herefordshire left vacant by First have been revealed.

Yeomans and DRM have filled the void which came about by First's decision to discontinue its county services from September.

First also plans to close its depot on Friars Street.

But Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for transport and roads says passengers should not notice a difference with the new service.

"I am pleased to confirm that services should not be adversely affected," said Councillor Paul Rone at a meeting of full council.

"The council has received confirmation that all of the services currently operated by First Midland have been registered for continuation after First’s withdrawal after September 5.

"Services have been registered by local bus operators Yeomans Canyon Travel and DRM Bus."

He said 3,500 people use First's buses in Herefordshire each day, adding it was "heartening" how quickly the companies had come forward to take over the service.

Councillor Anthony Powers, the leader of opposition party It's our County, asked the cabinet member how he could be certain the Yeomans and DRM contracts won't go the same way as First.

"Both firms have been going for years and years," added Cllr Rone.

"They don't have tiers of management that they have to take into consideration."