Villagers put out the flags for new bus service

Villagers have welcomed the launch of a bus service between Bramford and Ipswich

Villagers have been urged to "use or lose" a new bus route.

Ipswich Buses' 8B service runs between Ipswich and the village of Bramford.

A member of Suffolk County Council said villagers had been waiting for a number years for a bus service.

Chris Chambers said the early signs were that it would be a well-used route.

Ipswich Buses announced the service earlier this year.

The firm said it would create a link between Bramford, Sproughton and the employment areas of Eastern Gateway and Farthing Road Industrial Estate.

The service was launched with the help of Suffolk County Council Bus Service Improvement Plan+ funding and government cash.

The company said buses would run hourly between 0700 BST and 1900 BST from Mondays to Saturdays.

'New bus fares'

Mr Chambers, who represents Gipping Valley, said villagers had not had a service for a number of years.

"It is only as a result of a growth in population and because funding has been available that the service has been introduced," he said.

"It is clear from the reaction that it is going to be a well-used service and is clearly wanted."

Mr Chambers said many villagers were elderly and needed taxis or lifts to get into Ipswich. He also hoped the bus would be handy for people working in Ipswich.

But he added: "Transport routes are very expensive to run and Ipswich Buses are not in business for nothing.

"It is very much use it or lose it.

"But I think, from the evidence so far, it will be a well-used service."

Chris Chambers said Bramford villagers had been waiting for a bus service for years

New bus fares have recently come into force in Ipswich following a review.

Ipswich Buses said in late March that it had undertaken a "comprehensive review and adjustment", partly due to "the continuing rise in operation costs".

'Minimising the impact'

Managing director Dan Bassett said the company had done its "absolute best to minimise the impact" on passengers.

Fares are a maximum of £2 for any single journey while the "Town" £1.80 and old £2.30 single fares will be merged to create a flat £2 single fare.