The Isle of wight Council are stepping in to re-instate three bus services cut by Southern Vectis.  The council’s action mean services between Gurnard, Cowes and Northwood, and Havenstreet, North Wootton and Folly Lane continue.

Southern Vectis had announced it was to cut the services 27, 28 and 29, from August 30th because they were not economically viable.

But the council has found a solution within existing budgets whereby these services can be maintained using Wightbus.

Stuart Love, IW Council director of environment and neighbourhoods, said he was pleased the council was able to maintain the bus links - albeit it at slightly reduced frequency - to the Gurnard, Northwood, Havenstreet, Folly Lane and North Wootton communities.

But he warned the council’s annual budget for supporting services in this manner was now spent.

Mr Love said.

“Whilst there is clear rationale for the council subsidising services 27, 28 and 29, should Southern Vectis decide to withdraw any further services during the current financial year we will not be in a position to subsidise these.”

Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, IW Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to find a solution that will allow us to maintain these services and I am sure the residents of Folly Lane, North Wootton, Havenstreet, Northwood and Gurnard will welcome this move - but I would like to point out that providing bus services in this fashion is not a statutory duty of the council.”

Timetable details will be published shortly on iwight.com and in the council’s public transport handbook available in the first week of September. Service information will also be passed to local elected members and parish and town councils for local distribution.

Further details on the bus services are available via the PDF links: 29 and 33  30 and 32