A BUS service from Kidderminster to Worcester has been saved from being axed after Worcestershire County Council stepped in.

The 303 Kidderminster to Worcester bus had previously been suspended after operators Diamond Bus said it had been running at a financial loss over 24 months.

The decision raised concerns from the local community as the route is well-used by people visiting Worcestershire Royal Hospital, and by students attending college in the city.

Diamond Bus had said, due to the current climate, it had been unable to continue to sustain the losses further and, as it began to work towards resuming normal timetables, the 303 service was in danger of being permanently withdrawn.

Diamond Bus said: “In order to operate the service in the short-term future whilst maintaining current social distancing guidelines and experiencing competition from the Kidderminster/Worcester rail line, the service required a significant subsidy to be viable to continue. Diamond have been in consultation with Worcestershire County Council for some time and are pleased to announce that, in partnership with the council, additional funding has been agreed and the 303 service will resume from Monday, June 8, with the full service timetable. We would like to thank the county council, Councillor Alan Amos and MP Mark Garnier for their swift help to work towards resuming this service and meeting local residents needs.”

Bob Baker, Diamond’s managing director, said he welcomed the support from the county council, saying they had gone “above and beyond” to save this service.

READ MORE: Sytchampton Primary School has a new headteacher seven years on after tragedy

READ MORE: Search for missing senior diplomat from Droitwich is scaled back

Councillor Alan Amos added: “We have been working very hard. I know bus services provide a vital link between Worcester and Kidderminster as well as serve a large number of smaller towns and villages. Students from the Sixth Form College and local and elderly people in particular depend on them.”