A BUS operator has reversed a decision to stop services running through two local villages – but will run a consultation on the future of the routes.
Diamond had proposed to change the 12 and 12E so they would not call at Yoxall or Kings Bromley.
But the operator said that following "concerns" from local residents, the changes had been cancelled.
However, the company will carry out a consultation on how to make the routes more commercially viable going forward.
A company spokesperson said:
"Recently Diamond announced that there would be some changes to Service 12 and 12E at the end of August, which included the removal of service from Yoxall and Kings Bromley.
"Following concerns from residents in these areas regarding accessibility to local services, we have decided to cancel these changes and will continue to maintain the current route and timetable for a further period of time.
"During this period, Diamond will undertake a wider consultation with people in the local area who use the service.
"As part of this consultation, we aim to better understand travel patterns and usage needs of local people to help decide what our longer term plans with the service will be in the future.
"In its current format, the 12 service suffers with low patronage along these sections of route and a viable solution for its long-term operation does need to be found."
The company said it was important to hear from those who do – and those who don't – use the service.
They added:
"We never take decisions to withdraw our services lightly as we understand the impact this has on those customers who support the service and rely on it as part of their day-to-day lives.
"This is why we have decided to conduct a survey to understand the travel needs of residents along the 12 route better.
"We encourage everyone who feels they would be impacted by changes on the route to let us know how they use the service.
"We will also be encouraging those who do not currently use the service to tell us why, and what would make the service a more attractive travel option for them to use.
"You will be able to access the survey online at diamondbuses.com. We will also make paper copies available on the bus for those who do not have access to the internet and these forms will be able to be handed to your driver.
"We look forward to receiving feedback and building a stronger service 12 within the local community."
