A Large-scale review of bus services throughout Worcestershire may be difficult in the short term but will lead to a brighter future, according to County Councillor John Smith, of Hampton, Evesham.

First Bus (Midland Red) announced plans to cut back on loss-making routes last week and the county council is considering options to bridge any gaps in service. Coun Smith, environment and sustainability spokesman, has instructed transport officers to look closely at potential problem areas, and a scrutiny of bus services has begun.

Coun Smith said: "We must seek to ensure that that public transport is accessible to people throughout the county. I'm confident that First's business plan will lead to many improvements over the coming months and years, but we will have to accept that long-term investment requires changes to loss-making services."

He explained: "The county council subsidises as many routes as our funding will allow. Our officers and consultants are working on an assessment to subsidised services and we'll have a better picture of where we can direct taxpayers' money once the report is produced next month."