EXTRA bus services are being provided for passengers in a village near Worcester.

Competition between rival bus companies had left passengers in Kempsey without some off-peak weekday services but following complaints from a district councillor Worcestershire County Council has decided to pay £10,000 for three new afternoon services.

Mike Biddle, Malvern Hills district councillor and chairman of the Malvern Hills transport partnership, said problems began when Astons Coaches started a 32 service, alongside First’s existing 32 service in September.

In response First, which had up until then ran a regular all-day service from Worcester to Kempsey, stopped its off-peak buses going to the village between 8.08am and 5.35pm.

“Some people ended up stranded in St Peter's, where First’s off-peak services now stop,” said Coun Biddle.

“Unless both companies accept the same ticket I don’t see how it can be solved but competition rules prevent bus operators colluding on price.”

First will run three additional services from Monday, December 15, but none will accept Astons' tickets.

A No 32 First bus will depart Kempsey at 1.18pm and 3.18pm, accommodating shift changes at the Lawns Nursing Home, and leave the city centre at 5.08pm.

Meanwhile, the county council has announced a city-wide shake-up of the current routes that will come into force from September.

A full transport shake-up of current timetables in the city, including Kempsey, is also starting in the new year.

Chris Holloway, county council transport, planning and review officer, said: “The council intends to consult on future plans for the bus network for Worcester, including Kempsey, and this situation will be re-evaluated as part of the review.

“It is intended a completely revised network of services will be implemented from September 2009.

“We will also be considering integrated ticketing as part of this review.”

Astons Coaches declined to comment on the council’s plans but Steven Zanker, commercial director for First, said: “We will support the review to improve bus services in the long term.”