Campaigners are celebrating the return of vital bus services to Rowley Regis Hospital after Centro stepped in with financial backing.

People living in the Springfield and Siviter’s Lane areas of Rowley Regis can now catch the newly extended 224 service to the hospital and the new Tesco superstore at Cradley Heath.

Centro decided to use £51k of taxpayers’ money to subsidise the extension to the existing 224 till the end of October after a campaign by residents, backed by councillors Bill Thomas, Iris Boucher and Barbara Price.

They said they were cut off when the 239 service, which ran from Dudley to Cradley Heath via the hospital, was withdrawn in November 2007.

The new 224 route is being operated on Centro's behalf by Choice Travel.

Cllr Bill Thomas welcomed the move. He said: "We have campaigned for this for a long time and very much welcome Centro's decision. "This improves access to Rowley Regis Hospital, especially for elderly people on the isolated Springfield estate and the service will be of real benefit.

"It has been a lengthy campaign but it has clearly been a successful one. I would like to thank Centro for listening to our pleas."

The new service was launched at the hospital by Centro’s Chairman Cllr Gary Clarke, Centro chief executive Geoff Inskip, Cllr Price, Cllr Boucher and Sandwell’s representative on Centro, Cllr Roger Horton on Monday (January 26).

It will run every hour between 8am and 5:45pm. Residents are being warned they must use it or lose it.

The 208 service will also be diverted to call in at the hospital.

For timetable and route information about the 224 service log on to www.NetworkWestMidlands.com and click on ‘Bus’ and then ‘Bus Timetables’. Alternatively phone Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.