REDDITCH revellers will be the first in the country to jump on board a night time "taxi-bus" scheme.

The Redditch Taxi Bus pilot project will run initially from Batchley, Crabbs Cross, Headless Cross and Oakenshaw, but project chiefs hope to extend the service to the rest of Redditch if it proves popular.

The new "Eurocab" style taxi will seat up to seven passengers but will run like a normal bus service, picking up passengers at designated bus stops.

Worcestershire County Council chiefs are working in partnership with Redditch Council and the Government's Urban Bus Challenge to launch the scheme in September.

At a town centre Bus Users' Forum last week, county council transport development officer Chris Wilson said the Redditch Taxi Bus aimed to provide a "reliable and economical" night time bus service.

He said: "This is the only scheme of its kind - there's nothing like it anywhere else in the country - and we really hope people will take advantage of it."

He said the service would initially run from 8-11pm but aimed to extend its hours into the night according to demand.

Bus Users UK adviser Phil Tonks said he had dealt with a number of enquiries about Redditch's lack of night time bus services.

He said: "Those unable to access town centre pubs, clubs and entertainment have felt socially excluded in an age which champions social inclusion."

Bus operator Pete's Travel no longer offers a night service and First was forced to axe night buses because of continued vandalism and violence.

In 2002 an horrific drunken attack by Redditch youths left the victim with severe injuries including two punctured lungs.

But Mr Tonks said: "We can't let vandals ruin something that everyone else will use responsibly and benefit from."