IT’S ALL change on the buses as new timetables start from Sunday (November 2).

And Gloucestershire County Council has stepped in to ensure that there will still be buses on two routes which were due to be axed.

Commercial operators Stagecoach, First and Cotswold Green had made changes to some existing services, with the provision of new buses and the axing of others.

Those withdrawn included the 26 service from Stroud to Eastcombe and the 93 from Gloucester to Nortonwood in Forest Green, provoking numerous complaints from those who rely on the buses to get around.

Now the County Council is funding services to ensure that people affected by these cuts will still be able to make their journeys.

In a statement, the Council said: "Though the council has no control over the bus companies or the changes planned, it is committed to helping people get to vital services including education, work, medical facilities and essential shopping."

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for Fire, Planning and Infrastructure, added: “We recognise that some communities will have a reduced level of service and we are doing all we can to ensure that they can continue to access essential services.”

The changes include: provision of new Saturday evening buses between Cheltenham and Stroud; a half-hourly service between Forest Green, Nailsworth, Stroud and Gloucester; and an improved service to Cam and Dursley Station where buses are timed to link with trains to and from Bristol.

Other benefits include an hourly service between Dursley and Cheltenham via Stonehouse and Stroud, and buses every 15 minutes between Gloucester city centre and Kingsway.

Timetables can be seen at www.stagecoachbus.com/west.

Rupert Cox, managing director for Stagecoach West, confirmed that the Stroud Megarider season ticket would be reduced to £10 during November.