A HALF-HOURLY bus to the east and north of Marlow is to be launched next year on a trial basis.

Marlow town councillors said the £350,000 project would give people a regular service six days a week between 7.30am and 6.30pm, increasing the service from just twice a day.

Costs are still being finalised but the council hopes to start running the scheme in the autumn.

However, funding will run out in the spring, so the town council will have to negotiate with Wycombe District Council for more funding.

Cllr Tony Dunn said that the route and the fare were still under discussion.

He said: "We really want people to give us their views and put ideas in the pot."

The suggested route would leave from the High Street outside the post office, and will run along Oak Tree Road, Hillside Road, Bobmore Lane, Wiltshire Road, Newtown Road, Dedmere Road, Station Road and back to the High Street. Cllr June Coleridge said: "We have surveyed people in the areas involved and the response has been excellent.

"It especially appeals to young mothers."

Cllr Dunn said: "People complain that they don't have the service in the rush hours. Some people, such as pensioners, can fit in with a twice daily service, but most people will only use it if it runs often."

He added a similar service in Aylesbury had been so popular that the council were forced to get a bigger bus. The service will not run in Marlow on a Sunday because it is believed it will not attract enough numbers.

The current town bus, dubbed the 160 service which travels in and around Marlow, will continue as a separate service.

Buckinghamshire County Council will provide a bus for the trial period and will provide more if it becomes successful.

The town council want residents' views on how much people would be prepared to pay in fares and on the journey route.

Send your views to Marlow Town Council via email at margit@marlowtowncouncil.org.uk You can also write to Town Council Offices, Court Garden, Pound Lane, Marlow, SL7 2AG