A RECENTLY introduced temporary bus service has proved so popular that the village it operated in will now be served on a permanent basis.

Worcestershire County Council brought in a Flexilink bus service that picked up and dropped off Pebworth residents after the original service was discontinued around three years ago.

The Flexilink bus was introduced as a new type of service which would be used only if residents phoned a central call centre to be picked up at an agreed time and place.

But the route continued to be used regularly and drivers found that people always got on and off at the same bus stop so after consultation with bus company First, a deal was struck to bring back the permanent route.

Pebworth district and county councillor Tom Bean said: "I think this is excellent news for the village. Rural transport is a matter that concerns me greatly, so I'm extremely pleased to hear that the service is being made permanent."

The Pebworth stop will now be included on the 554 route, which covers Evesham, Badsey, Bretforton and Honeybourne. Certain journeys have now been extended to serve Mickleton and a trip to and from Chipping Campden has now become available after many years without a direct route.

Ken Radbourne of the county council's passenger transport group, said: "We're happy to provide it as we have given the public a service which they have wanted in place for some time."