New bus services between Oakham and Stamford

Additional bus services are now in place between Oakham and Stamford.

There had been some reductions to service nine between linking the towns but Rutland County Council has worked closely with CallConnect to cover some of the gaps left by the reduction.

CallConnect are providing a 5.15pm service nine journey from Stamford to Oakham on Mondays to Saturdays, two journeys in each direction on Saturdays and an on demand service to and from Oakham on Saturdays.

Coun Lucy Stephenson, portfolio holder for transport at the county council, stressed that this was a ‘trial service’ and usage ‘will be reviewed’.

She said: “We understand the pressures that bus operators are facing, and where issues have arisen, have worked hard to help protect the services that people can rely on for travel.

“Since the Council received initial confirmation that the service nine was to be reduced, officers have continued efforts to find alternatives, while feedback from those affected and a petition from service users helped demonstrate the strength of feeling in our communities.

“It is often hard to justify supporting services which are underused, often empty, on a scheduled timetable.

“It is therefore hugely important that we make the most of of our public transport services, helping to protect them for the future.”

Campaigners now want to set up an group to monitor bus services in Rutland.

Email wanda.allen@btinternet.com for more