A NEW bus service for Bromsgrove and Droitwich residents is launching next month.

The new improved 145 service, operated by igo and supported by Worcestershire County Council, is a combination of the existing routes 145 and 141, with only slight changes to the route in Cofton Hackett and Rubery areas.

The service operates between Droitwich and Longbridge, via Bromsgrove.

The rest of both routes will be retained but now on an hourly peak service instead of every two hours at the moment.

Vitally important school time services will be retained.

The new service is launching on Monday, September 1.

Although the name of igo is new in the industry, it is in fact the new bus services brand name of West Midlands Special Needs Transport (WMSNT) - a registered charity known throughout the West Midlands.

Des Rogers, operations manager for WMSNT, said: "WMSNT already operate several bus services in the West Midlands all of which are operated as community bus services on a not for profit basis.

"WMSNT decided that there was a need in the rural areas for bus services especially for children and the elderly who live in some beautiful but isolated areas.

"We hope that by increasing the frequency of the service local people will be encouraged to use it more and therefore make it a successful venture."

The service is working with townsfolk and businesses, such as Avoncroft Museum, to encourage more visitors to the area.

There are also reduced fares for Bournville College students, on producing their student pass.

Timetables are being distributed throughout the local area.

A copy is also available on the website  wmsntbusservices.org, or call 0121 327 8128.