A COMMUNITY bus service between Kidderminster bus station and the Habberley Estate has been saved from cancellation for a second time.

The future of the number 2 bus has been secured - until March 2020 at least - after county councillor Tracey Onslow agreed to fund the service using her Worcestershire County Council divisional fund.

Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride stepped in to trial a community bus service for the Habberley Estate in October, after more than 800 people signed a petition against Diamond Bus' announcement it would consider cancelling the route due to financial losses.

Cllr Onslow said: "My Conservative colleagues and I were dismayed at the thought of there being no bus service on the estate and the petition allowed us to represent the views of local residents.

"Hopefully the extension of the service and further promotion of the details will increase usage across the estate to make the service viable in its own right.”

District councillor Juliet Smith, who launched the petition to save the service, added: "This is fantastic news for Habberley Estate residents and I am delighted that Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride can continue its Habberley community bus service."

The number 2 service runs every Tuesday and Thursday from Habberley Road to Holmwood Avenue, and onto Kidderminster bus station.

David Muggeridge, operations manager for Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride, said: “Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride is delighted that the Habberley community bus service will continue until March 2020 thanks to the issue being raised with colleagues by Cllr Juliet Smith and financial support being given by Cllr Tracey Onslow.

"We have a regular cohort of passengers who have no other affordable means of getting into town and we are pleased to be able to continue this vital service for those who need it the most.”

For more information on the number 2 bus service, call 01562 755084. Pre-booking is required.