THE revised bus service which will operate in Worcester during the school summer holidays while Powick Bridge is closed for essential repairs will cost Worcestershire County Council £60,000.

But Councillor Derek Prodger, the county council's cabinet member for the environment, believes it is money well spent to make sure bus passengers can continue to get around while the bridge is closed.

Powick Bridge, which carries 20,000 cars a day, will shut on Saturday, July 22, until Sunday, September 2, for structural work.

All buses that usually cross the bridge will be diverted via Hams Way and Bransford Road, temporary services will operate along Malvern Road to Lower Wick, other services will be diverted to avoid congestion in St John's and additional buses will be provided where delays are likely.

Coun Prodger said: "We looked at every single opportunity to keep on board every customer who uses the buses. We put this temporary timetable together and it is costing us an extra £60,000 but I think we had to do it. I do not think there was any other choice. We want to keep customers using the trains and buses on board. We have bent over backwards to accommodate everyone."

There will be a revised timetable for the No 31 bus, while the No 32 service will be split - the No 32 will go from Baynhall and Kempsey to Worcester city centre and the Ombersely Road section will be serviced by a No 32B, which will continue from the city centre to Lower Wick along the Malvern Road.

The No 33 bus timetable will be revised and No 44, from Malvern to Worcester city centre, County Hall and the hospital will be diverted along Hams Way and Bransford Road.

The No 293 from Kidderminster to Worcester via Stourport, Shrawley and Holt Heath will be diverted along Hylton Road instead of Henwick Road, while the No 310 service between Worcester and Hanley Broadheath, via Martley and Clifton upon Teme, and the No 758 service between Worcester and Tenbury Wells will use the same diversion.

For details of the revised timetables and routes ring the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765765 or log onto www.worcestershire.gov.uk/home/index.htm