A new bus service is set to launch in the north Cotswolds.

Community Connexions will introduce an accessible minibus service in the area, with the support of Motability.

The new service will provide door-to-door services for people who cannot access any other form of transport.

It will primarily provide shopper routes, taking people from rurally isolated areas to their nearest supermarket, and also offers an opportunity for people to socialise with their fellow passengers.

However, it will also serve clubs, other charities and social events where larger groups of people need to get to one destination.

Paul Riddick, CEO of Gloucestershire-based charity Community Connexions, said: “We are delighted to be bringing this new service to the North Cotswolds and hope isolated residents take advantage of our new routes.

“Community Connexions already serves most of the county and it has long been our ambition to provide the same services in perhaps the most rural part of the county.

“This has only been possible through the support of Motability which recognised the need for bus routes in the area, especially as commercial routes have been reduced.

“We very much look forward to working with residents to develop the services they need.”

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Cotswold Journal: The bus will primarily transport people in rural areas to their nearest supermarketThe bus will primarily transport people in rural areas to their nearest supermarket (Image: Community Connexions)

The new minibus will supplement the existing services provided by Cotswold Friends.

Permission to run bus routes lies with the Traffic Commissioner and the timelines for the introduction of services, therefore, depend on their response.

Community Connexions, which is the largest provider of community transport in the county, is hoping to commence initial services in late April or early May.

The charity is currently liaising with town and parish councils about the new services and how they can best assist their residents.

Any interested parties are also encouraged to contact the charity directly by calling 03456805029 or emailing info@communityconnexions.org.uk.