UNDER threat bus services covering rural routes around Stourbridge were this week being given a new lease of life.

Birmingham-based Central Buses has now taken over the running of the 125 Stourbridge to Bridgnorth service, previously run by Whittle Bus & Coach Company, as part of a partnership with Shropshire County Council.

While Diamond Buses has stepped in to run the 192 Halesowen to Kidderminster via Hagley service.

Tom Bull, operations assistant at Central Buses, said: “We understand how important the 125 service is to many of the areas it services, providing a lifeline to many of the communities along the route as well as providing a popular link between Bridgnorth, Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourbridge.”

Stephen Haselden, general manager at the Kidderminster depot of Diamond Buses, said: “It’s a big shame that Whittles has had to cease its bus service after such a long time in the industry but we’ve been fortunate to offer most of the firm’s drivers employment. We’ve taken on the 192 route as well as the 7, 831 and 833 services.”

The News revealed back in November last year that Kidderminster-based Whittle was being put up for sale by parent company EYMS due to years of operating losses.

Scores of services were thrown into doubt as drivers left the ailing company, prompting Worcestershire and Shropshire County Councils to step in and either take on routes or help find new providers.

Passengers can find out more information about Central Buses’ 125 service by visiting www.centralbuses.com or by calling 0121 356 3487.

For more on Diamond Buses’ 192 service check out www.diamondbuses.com/, call 0121 322 2222 or visit the company’s Twitter and Facebook pages.