CAMPAIGNERS have claimed that bus services across the Vale of Evesham could be safeguarded through improved presentation, publicity and promotion.

Vale Bus and Rail have said that there is little incentive to use the local services due to potential further cutbacks in the future.

The group cited the 540 bus service between Evesham and Tewkesbury following an announcement from Ashtons Coaches saying that they would withdraw from the route on June 21.

The company said that falling passenger numbers and revenue had been the reason behind their decision. 

Worcestershire County Council has since pledged to retain the service. 

Evesham Journal: Hoping for a bus at the top of the station drive are VBR members Neil Berry and Julian Palfrey. A bus stop pole is evident but no bus stop flag and no sign of any timetable information!Hoping for a bus at the top of the station drive are VBR members Neil Berry and Julian Palfrey. A bus stop pole is evident but no bus stop flag and no sign of any timetable information! (Image: Julian Palfrey)

Julian Palfrey, chairman of Vale Bus and Rail said: "The service forms an important cross border link from Evesham into Gloucestershire and for onward connections and a vital lifeline for those living in the several Bredon Hill villages served whether for work, shopping, medical or leisure journeys.

“The route is also one of the most scenic in the county serving attractive villages such as Ashton-under-Hill, Overbury, Kemerton and Beckford which could act as a tourist magnet to visitors, walkers and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Bredon Hill and Kemerton Lakes.

"Usage could have been boosted and the present service retained through better publicity and promotion by the county council with the restoration of printed timetable leaflets."

Vale Bus and Rail, formally known as The Vale Public Transport Group consists of representatives of Evesham and Pershore Town Councils, members of a few larger parish councils and bus users. 

The group recently surveyed bus stops in Pershore and found a number had broken timetable cases, with lacking or unreadable timetables.

Mr Palfrey added: “Walk into any of the Tourist Information Centres in the county and you will find a plethora of leaflets on places to see and things to do but a total lack of any information on how to get there

"Staff are crying out for the return of printed timetable leaflets to encourage people to use the bus services available.”

Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for highways and transport at Worcester County Council said: "Our key focus has been to ensure both the 540 service and its service frequency were maintained for local residents.

"Following the completion of a tendering process, we are now able to confirm that Diamond Buses will operate the service from June 24.

"The current schools service will remain in place, we are also pleased to announce, that we have been able to increase the frequency of journeys from 9am to 3pm to half hourly."