WORCESTERSHIRE County Council stepped in to provide a free shuttle bus to ensure some elderly residents in Stourport were not left stranded because of roadworks.

The service, which started running on Monday, will ferry passengers to the town centre and back for the duration of the works on Lickhill Road North, between the Burlish Crossing and Garland Road.

It will operate six days a week from Broomy Close to High Street, running every half hour, starting at 9.30am.

It will pick up passengers at recognised stops along Lickhill Road, between Broomy Close and Lombard Street, until it stops at 2.10pm.

Stourport councillor, Jill Fairbrother Millis and Broomy Close resident, Dorothy Burbridge, had been in talks with the council to ensure residents had access to transport during the disruption.

The councillor said: "The county has come up trumps providing this free shuttle service for residents during these roadworks.

"It means that they can get into town to do their shopping, keep doctors' appointments and get to the library, as well as being able to pick up a connecting bus into Kidderminster."

The water main repair maintenance in Bridge Street should be completed by the start of next week. Similar work is due to begin in New Street on Monday, as part of Severn Trent Water's £2 million scheme to repair and replace underground pipes.