A MAJOR change to Malvern's bus services will come into effect on Monday (September 5).

Worcestershire County Council has created a new route serving the key parts of the town.

It follows a decision by First Midland Red to discontinue the number 42 service and a move by the council to axe the Malvern Work Shuttle, which it says has failed to attract enough passengers.

The replacement will be a new hourly circular service, 41/41A running clockwise and 43/43A running anti-clockwise.

The route takes in Graham Road, Link Top/Newtown Road, Dyson Perrins, Howsell Road (Malvern Link Station), Malvern Link, Malvern Retail Park, the new Malvern surgery development, Elgar Avenue, New Gas Tavern, Madresfield Road, then back to Graham Road. From there, it will return to Link Top and then turn up Worcester Road to the Foley Arms, Church Street, Avenue Road (Great Malvern Station), Barnards Green, Eston Avenue, Brook Farm, Poolbrook and on to Fruitlands. The 43/43A runs in reverse.

The first buses will be at 6.47am from Graham Road and from Fruitlands. The last buses are truncated services at 6.47pm.

The council says that the change leaves gaps in service at Half Key, Duke of Edinburgh Way and Cockshot Road. It has opened talks with Dial-a-Ride and Malvern Community Action to ask for support for elderly people or people with mobility problems, so they have some public transport provision.

Spokesman Michele Jones said: "This service is very important for the people of Malvern and I hope many residents use it and ensure its future success.

"We have really tried to look at what the people of Malvern need from a town service and ensure these routes address people's needs."

A new booklet detailing the town's bus services is being placed in the Tourist Information Centre, Malvern Library, Malvern Hills District Council's Customer Contact Centre and from the county council direct on 01905 768415.

Timetable details are also available from Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or the council's website, www.worcestershire. gov.uk.