NEARLY £1 million has been allocated to improve county bus services.

The money was won by the county council which was successful in securing a grant from the Government.

The easyLINK project bid was made on behalf of the Worcestershire Health and Transport Partnership and has secured £994,000 for improvements to the quality and regularity of county bus services.

The purpose of the easyLINK concept is to provide a countywide network of public transport which is easy to use, access, interchange between and understand.

For example the number of "low floor" buses to allow easier access for wheelchairs and pushchairs will be increased.

Worcestershire County Council's director of environmental services Richard Wigginton said; "The success of this bid is great news for the county, allowing us to develop the easyLINK project and deliver an effective, efficient service to all parts of Worcestershire.

"The easyLINK project will help level the playing field between town and country bus services.

"Our goal is to satisfy the transport needs of the county as a whole and this funding is a significant step along that path."

As part of the easyLINK flexi services, due to start in April, it is intended to develop a bus route from Redditch to Worcester through Inkberrow, Stock Green and Grafton.