RESIDENTS of Wyre Forest are being urged to check bus timetables ahead of a number of changes set to take place from September 1.

Earlier this year Worcestershire county councillors voted at a cabinet meeting to scrap a number of bus services in the area, following a review of subsidised bus routes, in a bid to save £3 million.

The review means that 73 services currently subsidised in the county will continue, 14 of which will run on a commercial basis.

The council said buses linking schools, rural areas, health services and providing links to shopping areas would largely remain in place but with changes to routes and the frequency levels.

In addition to the alterations to subsidised buses, a number of commercial services are also being altered so all bus users are being advised to check ahead of the changes.

The 192 Stourport to Kidderminster and Halesowen bus is being altered to cover some of the areas affected by the axing of the 197, which is currently used by elderly residents in the villages of Blakedown, Clent and Hagley.

County councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: “The county council needs to save around £25 million each year until 2017/18 due to funding reductions.

“We listened to the views of everyone that got in touch during the consultation and took a considered approach when it came to taking this difficult decision.

“The final outcome means the vast majority of passengers are still able to access public transport, whether that be subsidised or commercially operated, while at the same time realising a £1.4 million-a-year saving for the taxpayer.”

To check the new bus timetables in Wyre Forest visit worcestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables.

Assistance on planning journeys by bus around the county can be found by visiting traveline.info or by calling Traveline on 0871 2002233.