New bus service for residents

It’s use it or lose it warning

sA new bus service has been created to ensure that Dunblane residents are not left isolated.

In April, concerns were raised after the 58 service by First Midland was scaled back and the C48 and C66/67 routes were withdrawn by WAVE Ltd, meaning that there was no buses between large parts of the town and Stirling.

On e exasperated pensioner said: “If we got on the service in the morning to go down to the shops we would have to wait around until teatime before it could take us back up.”

However a new C48 service, which will run throughout the day from Bannockburn to Kinbuck, via Stirling, has been agreed to help ensure that areas such as Rylands Road, Ashfield and Cromlix stay connected.

Stirling Council has agreed to fund the service, which will be operated by Hunters Executive Coaches on the route the C48 formerly took but also take in some stops that the other buses had called at.

However passengers in Doune and Braco will not see the service they lost replaced, with it ceasing from Saturday ( June 13).

Green Councillor Mark Ruskell welcomed the new route, and said he hopes it receives the support of the community.

He said: “The loss of service from Dunblane to Doune and Braco is a backward step, however the new C48 at least keeps Kinbuck and Ashfield connected while putting in place an improved link to Dunblane High School and Wallace Road. Council officers have done a good job under difficult circumstances in getting a viable service retendered and I hope it’s a bus service the community can now feel some ownership of and support.”

The announcement was welcomed at a meeting of Dunblane Community Council last week, however potential passengers are being warned they must use the service or lose it.

Cha i rman Terence O’Byrne said it was good news that the new service was being brought in, and it is important that the new timetable is publicised.

To view the timetable, visit my. stirling. gov. uk/ services/ transport- andstreets/journey-planningand-timetables/transporttimetable-information