A BUS route that drops off passengers outside the Accident and Emergency Department of Stoke Mandeville is now up and running after being out of action for several months.

Red Route 9 runs to and from the centre of Aylesbury and the A&E department of Stoke Mandeville but is used by those Wycombe residents who are visiting the hospital when travelling by bus via the town.

The service had not been running for roughly two months, which means that it was out of action when all major trauma surgery was first moved from Wycombe Hospital to Stoke Mandeville.

However, Buckinghamshire County Council, which manages the service with the bus company Arriva, said the temporary service closure was necessary because the hospital had to carry out essential work to road humps in the hospital grounds.

Cllr Valerie Letheren, portfolio member for transportation, said: "Careful and considerate management of the route by Arriva and Buckinghamshire County Council has allowed this work to take place quickly, with minimal disruption.

"We are pleased to re-open these stops, which provide the most suitable and convenient access to Stoke Mandeville Hospital."

Red route 9 was launched in April 2003 and also stops off at the eye centre at the hospital.

For further information about Red Route 9 please visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/travelinfo/Services/ 0_50Index