MORE than 60 bus services in Herefordshire are to be reduced from August 31 - with some being withdrawn altogether.

As reported by the Hereford Times last month, parents raised concerns for the safety of their children after the 801 service - relied upon to transport pupils to and from Ivington CofE Primary School - would be withdrawn.

Other services that will be lost include...

35 Ross-on-Wye - Coleford - Monmouth (with a possible replacement being considered by Gloucestershire County Council).

39A Sunday service from Hereford to Hay-on-Wye (with a replacement service being considered by Hay Tourism.

45 Ross-on-Wye to Ledbury.

55 Ross-on-Wye to Howle Hill.

388 Hereford to Cheltenham.

493 Leominster to Presteigne. An alternative service to Kingsland, Pembridge and Shobdon provided by revised services 494, 495 and 496.

497 Leominster to Kington.

499 Burford to Hereford.

500 Burford to Leominster.

666 Newent to Ross-on-Wye.

673 Bromyard to Ledbury.

903/905/913 Hereford access bus. One journey on service 437 will serve Bovingdon Park.

Many more services will also be reduced, with only one bus covering the Madley circular route from Hereford in the evening.

Herefordshire Council say the changes are part of its aim to save £33million by 2017, with its priority being to retain support for the core network and rural lifeline services.

“I recognise that the service changes may affect some passengers," said Councillor Paul Rone, cabinet member for roads and transport at Herefordshire Council.

"However, we have been working closely with bus operators to explore how we can make savings through more efficient services and journey planning whilst protecting as much of the county’s bus network as possible.

"We have taken opportunities to integrate some contracts and ensure more efficient use of vehicles and drivers."

The full list can be viewed here.

Will the changes affect you? Call Hereford Times reporter Paul Rogers on 01432 845883 or email pro@herefordtimes.com