A BUS service linking Malvern, Upton and villages in between has been given a six-month stay of execution by Worcestershire County Council.

And councillor Tom Wells, who has been leading the campaign against service cuts by First Bus, says that local residents and parishes must rally round and support the service to show that it has a long-term future.

Three weeks ago, it emerged that First planned to axe the 361, 363 362 and 364 routes serving Upton, Welland, the Hanleys and Malvern Wells on April 10.

The proposal led to Cllr Wells setting up a petition, which now has 676 names on it, and parish councils affected by the proposals held emergency meetings, where angry residents told how their lives would be blighted by the cuts.

Cllr John Smith, the cabinet member for highways, held crunch talks with bosses of the transport firm this week, who maintained their stance.

So the county council has come up with a sum of money for its own off-peak service covering the areas using one of its own buses from April to September.

Cllr Wells said: "The ideal solution would be First not cutting the services at all, but that's not on the table.

"We've been offered a six-month reprieve, and we've got to grab it with both hands and support it to show it's viable over the longer term.

"The parish and town councils need to get behind it and support it, promoting the timetables on their websites and parish noticeboards.

"We should give it a strong branding, perhaps calling it the Upton to Malvern Flyer, make sure it has a simple fare, like £2, so people don't have to faff about with change, and maybe a Kids for a Quid fare for youngsters."

Cllr Wells added: "I'm pleased my campaign has made the council think again about this vital service.

"Many people on this route rely on the bus to get to work, shop or attend college and health appointments.

"For each of them the removal of this service would have created a real headache.

"However the six-month interim arrangement will quickly pass and I shall continue to campaign for a long-term solution."

David Taverner, clerk to Malvern Wells Parish Council, said: "The council welcomes this positive move, and we hope that the county council can take the longer view and keep the service going beyond the six-month limit."

Cllr Smith said: "We are disappointed First has taken this decision. However we are now looking at what solutions can be found and in the meantime we will ensure rural passengers have access to some public transport.

"We have to stress however, that the council cannot take responsibility for these bus services on a permanent basis and alternative options must be found."

The council has also stepped in to fund an axed route from Romsley to Halesowen.

The exact funds being spent on the six-month services have not been revealed, but Councillor Smith said it only amounts to "a driver and the fuel" as the buses are owned by the authority.

"The costs are not high but I must stress that it comes with a health warning, people have got to use it or lose it," he said.

Back in 2014 the Conservative leadership at County Hall announced shock proposals to scrap its entire £3 million annual subsidy for bus routes.

After a record 8,500 responses during a public consultation, it decided to reduce that subsidy to £1.6 million, saving scores of threatened routes.