A TOP travel expert has been brought in to help sort out Bewdley's beleaguered bus services.

Passengers hit by the failure of a major operator and the slashing of services by another have a new champion with Gordon Dwyer, who has just taken up his post at Opportunity Bewdley.

He pledges to fight to get crucial routes re-instated or set up new services for residents during his time at the charity - which was formed last year to put Bewdley back on the map by attracting large grants.

And the 33-year-old will listen to bus users - in Bewdley, Arley, Rock and Bayton - to hear their worries and campaign for their rights in his role as Rural Transport Officer.

He said: "I think everyone is concerned about the bus service - it is vitally important to give access for everybody. I want to get to know the exact issues and I am happy to hear people's concerns."

Operator Pete's Travel went into administration in August and handed over several of its services to First, the largest bus operator in the UK.

But First cut several of its own early morning and evening routes last month, including the 2 and 2C bus to Kidderminster - of particular concern to Mr Dwyer.

However, he said it was crucial to first establish the level of demand for bus services in the Bewdley area, particularly from the outlying villages, and he urged concerned travellers to attend a public meeting on the burning issue in the town next month.

The Worcester resident said: "I am looking for feedback to see if we can make a case for reinstating the buses or look to some other sort of community transport as a solution.

"This could mean a parish running a service themselves, making use of vehicles like school buses that are not in use at certain times. It is worth looking at because it is difficult for bus companies to run profitable bus services to outlying parishes."

But passengers also needed to know what services were already available, said Mr Dwyer - who comes from a post as a highway limits officer at Worcestershire County Council - which meant Opportunity Bewdley supporting community bus schemes such as Dial-a-Ride and Toc H.

"Actually, I think we are half way there with the services - a lot of it is whether people are aware of what is on offer. We need to promote existing routes."

Feedback on the number 2 service and any other comments should be sent to Mr Dwyer at Opportunity Bewdley, 21 Load Street, Bewdley DY12 2AE, or by email at info@opportunitybewdley.org.uk.

The public meeting is at Bewdley Baptist Church, High Street, at 7pm on November 12.