PLANS are taking shape for the September launch of Redditch's unique new "taxi bus" scheme.

The pilot project, designed to transport residents to and from the town centre in the evenings, was discussed at a recent county council forum meeting at Redditch Town Hall.

A report said three seven-seater "Eurocab" taxis would initially serve Batchley, Crabbs Cross, Headless Cross and Oakenshaw.

If successful, project chiefs from Worcestershire County Council, Redditch Council and the Government's Urban Bus Challenge have said the service will be expanded to other areas of the town.

The taxi bus will run at 20-minute intervals, covering the 51 and 55/56 bus routes and picking up passengers at designated stops. A local taxi service has been selected to operate the service on behalf of the district and county councils and passengers are expected to be charged £1 per journey.

At the recent town centre forum county council transport development officer Chris Wilson told the Advertiser the service was the first of its kind in the country. He said the pilot service would initially run from 8-11pm but aimed to extend its hours into the night according to demand.

Bus operator Pete's Travel no longer offers a night service and First was forced to axe night buses due to continued vandalism and violence. Town residents will receive full details of the service next month.