Residents are being encouraged to use a new bus service connecting Newent with a number of surrounding villages.

The new 632 service operates on Wednesdays and Fridays, taking passengers from Tillers Green, Dymock, Gorsley and Kilcot to Newent.

It was set up by community action group Buses4Us to replace the 32/132 bus axed by Stagecoach in February, and is operated by Newent Community Transport.

Stagecoach’s decision was taken on a commercial basis due to low passenger numbers resulting in the service running at a significant loss.

The new community initiative has been funded by Gloucestershire County Council, along with a number of parish councils and local businesses.

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

The 632, which aims to help support the local community and reduce rural isolation, will run for a six-month trial period, after which the service will be reviewed before any decision on future funding is made.

Ledbury Reporter: The 132 was axed by Stagecoach earlier this yearThe 132 was axed by Stagecoach earlier this year

In addition to the funding for this new bus service, the Gloucestershire council also supports the door-to-door Dial A Ride service and local buses operated by Newent Community Transport.

Philip Robinson, Gloucestershire’s cabinet member for public transport, said: “I am delighted that the council has been able to help fund this community-led service to support the community following Stagecoach’s decision to reduce its bus services in the area.

Reducing carbon emissions

“The new 632 bus service will play a useful role to make sure residents can still access public transport where bus operators no longer run a service.

“I would encourage residents to use this new service. Using public transport is one way to reduce carbon emissions and thus help bring about a Greener Gloucestershire.”

For more information about the new service, contact Newent Community Transport on 01531 821 227.

READ MORE: New bus service planned to replace cancelled 132 Ledbury-Ross route

Buses4Us is also planning to launch a service connecting Ledbury with Newent and Ross - but funding is needed to make the proposed 232 bus a reality.

“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,” said Clare Stone of Buses4Us.

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