AN evening bus service will be provided for residents living in Batchley, Oakenshaw, Crabbs Cross and Headlesss Cross as part of a pilot project being spearheaded in just a few areas across the country.

The "taxi bus" service, which has been set up by Redditch Bus Quality Partnership, will be launched in April.

Redditch Council's director of community services, Barbara Webster, said it would be a normal bus service but just in the evenings using a small bus, rather than a large commercial bus.

The news comes as bus firm First announced it had taken delivery of 18 new low-floor vehicles which are set to hit the streets of Redditch next month.

The partnership, which includes the council, bus operators and police, has created an action plan for the next two years to improve and develop public transport.

A telephone survey is currently being undertaken to establish people's perception of public transport in Redditch and where they want to see it improved.

Close work between the council, bus operators and the police is also being carried out to address problems of antisocial behaviour.

Mrs Webster said: "We had an urgent meeting to identify what action could be taken jointly to address a recent incident in Winyates. We are having a special meeting again.

"We have agreed bus operators phone us immediately if they think there is something on the road which is a risk.

"We will remove the obstacle within two hours. We are also going to do work on landscaping, especially on the 57/58 routes."