THE future of the 675 bus between Ledbury, Colwall and Great Malvern – through West Malvern, of course – is once again up for review, as Herefordshire County Council, who manage the service, seeks further cost reductions in its public transport budget up to 2020. Before final decisions are made, the Council is seeking the views of bus users, local councils and other interested parties.

The 675 survived a similar review in 2013/14, and the figures accompanying the consultation show the route as still one of the better used and less subsidised of many in the area.

West Malvern resident Di Hurfurt, who led the successful campaign three years ago to ensure maintenance of the service, said: “The statistics accompanying the consultation are quite encouraging, in that the 675 is shown as a ‘core route’ and carries nearly 44,000 passengers a year. The current subsidy is also on the low side in comparison to some of the other routes. But we cannot afford to be complacent. So as before, it is important for as many people as possible to respond.”

The consultation can be found online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/busreview2016, or paper copies may be available from Bus Consultation, Transportation, Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE.

It was a case of eat your hearts out Foyles, Amazon and Waterstones at the recent Friends of St James’s coffee morning and bring-and-buy sale, which proved to be a real bookfest. The pews of the church were lined with hundreds of books, many of which successfully found new homes. Together with sales of bric-a-brac and produce, plus donations for the coffee and excellent cakes on offer, the event raised upwards of £350 towards Friends’ funds. And the considerable number of books not sold will be passed on to various other charities including Amnesty and St Richards Hospice.

There will be a prize bingo session at the Royal British Legion tomorrow Saturday at 8.30pm. All welcome as usual.

COLIN JACKSON