Spalding and Deepings bus service to have more journeys from October 26

Bus users in South Holland are getting a more regular service to the Deepings and Stamford when a new timetable takes effect later this month.

The 203 service, operated by Bourne-based Delaine Buses between Spalding, Deeping St Nicholas, Deeping St James and Market Deeping, will become the 301/302 route from Monday, October 26.

Services from Spalding to Stamford will increase from five to seven a day, Mondays to Fridays, with an early morning and late afternoon journey to Market Deeping as well.

There will also be six journeys back to Spalding from Stamford, instead of the current four, with two extra morning services from Market Deeping at 7.46am and 8.36am.

Anthony Delaine-Smith, managing director of Delaine Buses, said: "We've always operated on the section between the Deepings and Stamford since 1934.

"We then saw the opportunity to extend our service to Spalding in January 2019, initially with a two-hour frequency and using one vehicle.

"Since we introduced it, there was a steady increase in patronage up until COVID-19 took over in March.

"The Government has a Better Bus Area Fund for operators who want to improve their services and we successfully applied for funding to make the service hourly.

"It was due to start in the spring but it got deferred while everything recovered after COVID-19.

"But from October 26, there will be an hourly service between Spalding, the Deepings and Stamford, providing direct transport links between three south Lincolnshire market towns.

"We hope people will use the service, especially as they'll be able to change at Market Deeping if they want to go to Bourne or Peterborough."