A COMMUNITY action group has hailed the launch of a new hourly bus service for Cirencester.

Cirencester Action on Buses (CAB) says the move will bring service levels in the town close to what they were before the sweeping cuts of 2017.

The new 58 bus will offer an hourly service between Stratton Heights and around Chesterton estates, passing through the town centre, during weekdays and on Saturdays.

It will visit more stops and provide an enhanced service from Kingshill Meadow, the Beeches and New Mills.

Changes will come into effect on August 4 and the 58 will replace the current 51A service.

The new service is the result of many months of discussions between CAB and Stagecoach.

David Prewett, the leader of CAB, said: “With the launch of the new Stagecoach number 58 hourly town service we are almost back to the service levels we used to enjoy before the 2017 cuts hit us.

“After the cuts many people have abandoned the bus in favour of using their cars. We urge people to consider the environment and once again use the bus for those short trips into town and the new shopping facilities the circular route will give. We need to keep the new service running – it’s very much a case of use it or lose it.”

As well as the launch of the new 58 service, a further bus, number 50, will now stop at the Tesco Extra supermarket in Cirencester.

But CAB members are not entirely happy as the 51 bus will no longer stop in Watermoor and Victoria Road from August 4.

Together with Cirencester town councillor for Watermoor, Jenny Hincks, they have raised this issue with Stagecoach.

For those affected by the loss of the stops, there is currently a service into town provided by Cotswold Green’s No 54/A from Watermoor and Victoria Road, but no return service.

Mr Prewett added: “We ask passengers to please support the new No 58 town bus service as much as possible. The viability is critical and if passengers respond with support, further route expansions may be possible.”

New timetables are on Stagecoach’s website and travelinesw.com, with paper copies at the town council’s information office at Bingham House.