SHOPPERS living in rural villages are set to benefit from a new shuttle service which is being rolled out this week in a bid to encourage the use of public transport.

SHOPPERS living in rural villages are set to benefit from a new shuttle service which is being rolled out this week in a bid to encourage the use of public transport.

People living in Great Bardfield, Little Bardfield and The Salings can take advantage of cheap once-a-week bus trips to Saffron Walden thanks to a joint initiative between Braintree District Council and Essex County Council.

The new bus service starts on Thursday April 22 and will run weekly from that point.

Essex county councillor Norman Hume, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "I am delighted that we are able to introduce these new bus services. We have listened to the requests of residents, and have responded by providing new services that are designed to really benefit local communities."

Buses will work on a hail and ride basis. As long as it is safe to do so, the bus will stop along the route within the village when flagged down.

The new service also has timed stops in the villages and in Saffron Walden but can be adapted to meet the needs of the passengers.

The driver will be available to help with boarding or leaving the vehicle, or with shopping bags.

Braintree district councillor Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for communities said: "This is fantastic news for people who don't have access to a regular bus service, ensuring older and younger people are not isolated and have easy access to local services."

Further details are available by calling Braintree District Council Customer Services on 01376 552525.

Journey essentials:

Fares can be paid onboard

Journeys cost �2 for either a return or a single

Children aged five to 16 travel half-price.

Children under five travel for free

Bus pass holders also get free transport

TIMETABLE:

Great Saling, Vicarage Close 9.30 Bardfield Saling, Woolpits Lane 9.34 Bardfield Saling Telephone Box 9.38 Great Bardfield, The Blue Egg 9.45 Little Bardfield Telephone Box 9.48 Saffron Walden High Street 10.11 Saffron Walden, Tesco 10.16 Return Saffron Walden Tesco 12.15 Saffron Walden High Street 12.20 Little Bardfield Telephone Box 12.43 Great Bardfield, The Blue Egg 12.47 Bardfield Saling Telephone Box 12.53 Bardfield Saling Woolpits Lane 12.57 Great Saling Vicarage Close 13.01