BUS services in the Evesham area are to be improved following Worcestershire County Council's takeover of three key services.

From today, the 553, 561 and 587 will operate under contract by Cresswells. The 587 will be extended out to the Vale Business Park. In the afternoons, it will also go to Four Pools and Fairfield.

A flat fare structure will operate on all services. Adult tickets will cost £1 for a single or £1.80 return.

Children's tickets will be 70p for a single and £1.25 return. Those with concessionary passes will receive free travel on these services, as with all other countywide bus services.

For details on new routes and timetables visit www. worcestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables, call in at the Worcestershire Hub, local libraries or tourist information centre, or call Traveline on 0870 608 2608.

For details on concessionary fares, visit www. worcestershire.gov.uk/concessionaryfares or call Wychavon District Council's customer centre on 01386 565000.