SOME good news about buses! The 39A Sunday bus between Hereford and Brecon has been withdrawn following the decision by Herefordshire and Powys councils to terminate its subsidy, but a new Sunday 39A, called Hay Ho! starts running between Hereford and Hay on October 5, with three journeys in each direction.

The route is the same, but the timetable is different. The bus goes from Hereford Railway Station to Hay Castle (see Herefordshire Council’s printed bus guide or website for details).

Hay Ho! is running because several local groups, including Hay Tourism Group and Rail for Herefordshire agreed it wasn’t acceptable for no public transport on Sundays between the major tourist destination of Hay and its nearest railway station, and also for many Herefordshire residents living along the route to be without any Sunday service.

Many organisations and groups, including far-sighted parish councils, have contributed to the cost of the service, and individuals have donated from £5 to £500. Further support will be needed to guarantee the long-term survival of Hay Ho!, and the best way people can help is by using the bus as much as possible, and by encouraging others to do so.

If enough people use the bus there will be no need for any financial support, but until that happens contributions will be gratefully received by Rail for Herefordshire, 100A Green Street, Hereford HR1 2QW. Cheques should be made payable to Hay Tourism Group. Please email railfh@aol.com for further information.

MIKE LEDLIE Secretary, Rail for Herefordshire Green Street, Hereford