A NEW community bus service is being launched to link communities in the northern and north-western areas of Malvern with the town’s centres.

The service was launched at the initiative of the area’s county councillors John Raine and Paul Tuthill, following the axing of First Bus Group’s 43 service a year ago.

The service, called the Dyson-Linker, is being provided by Community Action Malvern and District and Malvern Dial-a-Ride.

It will run twice each week day on a circular route, starting at 10am and 1pm from Albert Park Road, via Malvern Vale, Tanhouse Lane, Upper Howsell Road , Church Road, the retail park, past the Whiteacres and Prospect View surgeries, Great Malvern railway station and finishing in Great Malvern itself.

The return journeys, along the same route but in the opposite direction, leave Great Malvern at noon and 3pm.

For bus pass holders and under 16s, tickets are £1.50 single and £2.50 return. For those without concessions, the fare is £3.50 single and £6.50 return, or £2.50 and £4 for under-16s.

Journeys must be pre-booked on or before the previous day, by calling 01684 8912381.

Usage rates will be monitored and reviewed after three months, after which adjustments may need to be made to the timetable and possibly fares as well

Cllr Raine said: “As well as meeting the needs of those who lost their bus service a year ago, we hope that many car-owners too will opt to leave their cars at home and take the bus instead, thus helping the district to greater environmental sustainability as well.”