A COMMUNITY bus service launched last month needs the support of residents if it is to continue, the council warned this week.

The 160 community bus, which runs between Marlow, Little Marlow and Marlow Bottom, was stepped up from its Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday service to include Saturdays by request of residents.

The extra day for the council-funded service was made possible by additional funding from Marlow Town Council, Marlow Bottom and Little Marlow Parish Councils an Bucks County Council Local Area Forum.

And now councillors are urging people to hop on board and take advantage of the route during its year-long trial or risk losing it altogether.

Cllr Ian Wernham, Chairman of Marlow Town Council’s Planning, Environment and Transportation Committee, said: "We’re hoping that everyone will make good use of the Saturday service.

"It should appeal to people who work during the week, to families based locally, and we also hope that youngsters will use the bus to enable them to participate fully in the many activities provided for them on a Saturday."

It’s hoped the bus service will help to reduce car use and ease parking and congestion in Marlow town centre.

The 160 is operated by Red Eagle Buses under contract to Transport for Buckinghamshire The timetable can be collected from the Town Council office in Court Garden or the Information Centre in Institute Road, or downloaded from www.transportforbucks.net