New bus services help connect communities

The services will help connect Corby and Kettering as well provide services to Rushden Lakes

Some new and enhanced bus services are being introduced in a county, a council has said.

North Northamptonshire Council is subsidising the new services from its own budgets and through funding targeted from the previous government’s Bus Service Improvement Programme and developer contributions.

The move supports the council’s own Bus Service Improvement Plan which was approved this year and are in addition to other service improvements announced in September.

Council leader, Jason Smithers, said: "It’s important that we do what we can do develop our well-connected communities and I’m pleased that we’re able to strengthen our bus network."

He added: "Buses play a major role in reducing congestion on our roads, reducing pollution and helping us meet our ambitious carbon reduction targets."

The changes include a new Monday to Saturday service between Corby, Corby Village, Little Stanion and Magna Park.

Enhanced services include an extension of Stagecoach service 2 from Corby to Kettering via Priors Hall, Weldon, Oakley Vale and Kettering General Hospital and a new late evening service from Corby town centre to Corby estates on Mondays to Fridays.

Demand response services include three return journeys at distribution centres shift times in Corby from Raunds, Thrapston and Stanion, three return journeys from Corby to Rushden Lakes in the afternoon and evening and early morning and late night connections to and from Northampton at Rushden Lakes for many East Northamptonshire towns and villages.

Councillor Matt Binley, who is responsible for highways, travel and assets, said the improvements were "a welcome addition to our network and a great way for people to get to work, go shopping or just meet up with friends".

"There are so many advantages to people making journeys by bus. I hope that people will start using these new routes as that is essential if they are to continue and hopefully for many of the services to eventually become fully commercially viable."

More details can be found on the North Northamptonshire Council website.