A PROPOSAL has been announced for a new Kidderminster bus route running through Habberley after a previous service was axed.

Habberley residents petitioned for a service after Diamond's number 2 bus stopped serving the estate in September 2018 in response to complaints about the service's punctuality.

Deputy leader of Wyre Forest District Council Fran Oborski said: "As Chair of Diamond Bus Users Forum I am delighted to announce that subject to route approval by Worcestershire County Council and West Midlands Traffic Commissioners, Diamond Bus hope to amalgamate their number 4 and number 7 services from mid-May and run an hourly circular service which will link Hurcott Road, Sion Hill, Wolverley, Marlpool, Ferndale and Habberley with Kidderminster Town Centre via the Hospital."

Doug Hine, who attended the meeting, said: "Diamond Bus have announced that they are returning to Habberley Estate with an hourly service - called the number 7 - starting in mid-May.

"It will also serve the Horsefair, Wolverley, Marlpool, and Sion Hill before returning past the hospital. It’s welcome news for the people of Habberley.

“What they need to do next is submit their route and timetable to the county council for it to be signed off. I think this will be a significant improvement.”

He also says that "Diamond representatives have urged residents to “use it or lose it”.

Habberley South councillor Leigh Whitehouse said: “Habberley Estate doesn’t have a bus service and hasn’t for well over 12 months. In that time, I have been speaking with Diamond Bus and the county council.

“It’s in a position now where it’s waiting to be signed off.

“I started to campaign to bring back the bus service and I know first-hand about the negative impact on residents. A petition was started. There has been a real call for it to come back.

“I think it’s the only area in Kidderminster that doesn’t have a service.

“The residents will be over the moon about it.”

Previously, Charity Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride was commissioned to provide a community bus service between Habberley Road and Kidderminster town centre two days a week, but pensioners who live on the estate said they have lost their independence and rarely see friends since the number 2 was discontinued.

A petition to reinstate the service received more than 300 signatures in two weeks.

Diamond Bus said at present they do not wish to comment on the plans until they know it is happening for definite.

Worcestershire County Council confirmed they have received a proposal from Diamond Bus.