COMMUNITY First have committed to replacing the discontinued part of the 231 bus service through Pewsham for a five week trial period.

Users of the new service, which has been introduced after First Group reduced their 231 service so that it no longer served Pewsham, will have to pay a monthly fee for unlimited journeys from Monday.

Community First will run three round trips each day, initially until September 30, from Lodge Way in Pewsham to Sainsbury’s in Cepen Park South via the bus station, train station and Chippenham hospital.

The first service will be 9.30am on Monday (Aug24) with further services leaving Lodge Way (Pewsham Way) at 10.45am and noon.

Alan Truscott, head of grants and enterprise at Community First, said: “We are replacing it with a month’s trial with a minibus service running in the morning.

“This followed consultation with residents in the area; it’s trying to find a solution that fits all requirements for a service they want at a price they can pay.

“It gives them unlimited travel; the previous bus was £3 for a round trip so £10 for the month is good value for money.”

Community First have said they would need to see at least 150 regular users on the service for it to continue beyond the initial trial period. The service will cost £15 for those in work and £10 for retired passengers or those out of work. Children aged 11 or over will be £5 while under 11s will be free.

Bus drivers will accept cash or cheque (payable to Community First.

Alternatively, residents would need to walk to London Road to catch a 55 bus service by Stagecoach which is free to passengers with a bus pass.

For a full timetable click here.