A COMMUNITY group that saved two 'lifeline' bus routes in Witney have officially launched their new service.

Not-for-profit collective West Oxfordshire Community Transport Ltd formed to take over the services, which travel between the estates of the town and its centre, at the end of January when former operator Go Ride concluded its contract.

The services, which had their official launch at the Corn Exchange last Thursday, have carried more than 4,000 passengers since they began operating.

One of the trustees of the group Laura Price said: "The launch was fantastic. We had a good range of people. Not just passengers but some people from organisations that have helped us and other people from other parts of the county.

"Running the services has been challenging – and there’s been a few unexpected challenges like repairs and punctures – but we’re finding our way through.

"The only way you can learn about this is by doing it and we’re very pleased we’ve managed to keep it on the road as a reliable service."

The 214 and 215 go into the heart of estates around Witney - covering the Cogges estate, Smith's estate and Deer Park estate - from Monday to Saturday.

When the county council withdrew subsidies for the services last summer, Go Ride took it over from Stagecoach, with plans to operate the bus for the short term.

When Go Ride planned to stop running the services at the end of January, many who depended on them were fearful they would be lost.

Though the bus is for everyone, the group says it is particularly vital to the elderly and those with disabilities who would otherwise struggle to make it into Witney town centre.

The community collective was formed to ensure the two services could carry on. It received support from Witney Town Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Cottsway Housing association, which allowed them to purchase the bus for £9,600.

Fares on the services are the same: £2 a journey for adults, £1 for a child fare and all concessionary passes welcome.

District councillor for Witney Andrew Coles, who spearheaded a campaign to save some bus services in Witney in 2015, said: "I am absolutely thrilled the community has come together to create this fantastic community-owned bus company.

"The volunteers have worked incredibly hard to make this happen.

"I cannot underestimate just how important our local town bus service is, especially for older residents who have no other means of getting about."

The group welcomed the chief executive of Hackney Community Transport Dai Powell as a special guest to last week's meeting.

It has now released new timetables and membership forms so that residents can support the initiative with just a £1.

To become a shareholder member or view the new timetables go to bit.ly/2mIQ0Q0