Plans for a new bus service connecting Ledbury with Newent and Ross-on-Wye are being drawn up by a community action group.

The proposed service, which has a working title of 232, will replace the 132 bus axed by operator Stagecoach in February.

Buses4Us, a group of residents, bus users and business owners that banded together following the cancellation of the 132, has already helped to launch one new bus service.

The 632 runs a twice-weekly shopper service taking passengers from Dymock, Gorsley and Kilcot to Newent. It started on April 27 - exactly two months after the last Stagecoach 132 from Newent to Ledbury.

Clare Stone of Buses4Us said the new service, which uses a minibus and is run by Newent Community Transport, had been well received by passengers.

READ MORE: Newent to Ledbury bus service to be axed next month

“We’re pleased with how it’s going,” she said. “People seem very grateful.

“But it’s only a tiny part of the problem. The 232 should do everything the old Stagecoach bus used to do - connecting Ledbury to Newent and onto Gloucester, and providing a direct link from Ledbury to Ross that doesn’t exist at the moment.

Ledbury Reporter: The 632 runs twice a week, taking passengers to NewentThe 632 runs twice a week, taking passengers to Newent

“We’re even looking at running a Sunday service, which the 132 didn’t do for a long time.

“It’s been a steep learning curve - prior to February the only experience we had of buses was sitting on them - but people have been very supportive and helpful.”

Funds needed for new Ledbury bus service

Funding is needed to make the 232 a reality. Buses4Us is in conversation with Gloucestershire and Herefordshire councils and there are hopes that, as with the 632, parish councils and businesses along the route will chip in with funds.

Ms Stone said the group is starting out on the understanding that you can’t always rely on bus services to turn a profit.

Ledbury Reporter: The 132 was axed in February by StagecoachThe 132 was axed in February by Stagecoach

“There are benefits that are more important than profit,” she said. “Prosperity for high streets and local businesses, independence for those who rely on buses to get around and climate benefits as there are fewer cars on the road.”

READ MORE: Community group aims to boost railways in Ledbury and Colwall

Buses4Us are keen to welcome more members to the group.

“If you have a little bit of spare time and can help with fundraising, community engagement or even IT, we’d love to hear from you,” said Ms Stone.

You can contact the group via its Facebook page or by emailing hello@buses4us.org