IT has been announced that Gloucestershire County Council has stepped in to save a bus service which runs between Dursley and Thornbury.

Council officials have confirmed they have found a new provider to run the number 60 bus service - which also stops in Wotton, Charfield and Falfield.

It comes as last week local transport operator Transpora declared bankruptcy - putting the service at risk.

Stagecoach will officially take over the emergency provision until August 31, 2024, when a full procurement will take place.

Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member whose portfolio includes buses, said: “It’s a shame to see any business cease trading but our priority here has been to secure the service for our passengers.

“I’m pleased to see that we’ve been able to do this successfully with no gap in service.”

The 60 service was taken over by Transpora earlier this year in February - before then it previously used to be run by Stagecoach. 

Chris Hanson, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “Following the sad news that Transpora has ceased operations we are glad to be able to step in and save this vital service.

“We look forward to welcoming our new customers on board in the coming days."

The 60 bus service parked at Dursley bus station this morning - the route has been taken over by Stagecoach  (Image: David Smith)