CAMPAIGNERS fighting for bus route changes which would improve the lives of thousands of residents last night claimed victory after a home-grown operator unexpectedly stepped forward with plans for a brand new route in the area.

Laurence Cawley

CAMPAIGNERS fighting for bus route changes which would improve the lives of thousands of residents last night claimed victory after a home-grown operator unexpectedly stepped forward with plans for a brand new route in the area.

For months residents in the Howard Estate area of Bury St Edmunds have been calling on the bus operator First to extend its 80 service from the council offices in Western Way down to their estate.

But in an unexpected twist, not only has First agreed to extend its route from Western Way down to the secondary schools in Beetons Way, but local operator Mulleys has registered a brand new bus service in the area which residents have described as “perfect” for those living in both the Howard and Mildenhall estates.

The EADT mounted its Route for Us campaign to back residents in their bid for improved services after it emerged some residents were opting to share medication rather than make four separate bus journeys to get to vital services, such as their dentist or GP.

Speaking about Mulleys' announcement, Ernie Broom, chairman of the town's Over 60s Club, said: “We are delighted - we will have a local company (Mulleys) coming in and giving us the service we have wanted and they will need the support of the public on this route. I am so chuffed and I can't tell you how grateful everybody is to the East Anglian Daily Times for its support.”

Jayne Munson, director of Mulleys, said the firm believed its route could be run successfully as a commercial concern.

“The M44 service is definitely going to happen. It is something we have been thinking about for some time. We will be running it commercially,” she said.

County councillor for the area Paul Farmer said: “I am delighted that both councils and First were able to make some progress. “Extending the 80 route so that the steep hill in Beetons Way is included is a significant improvement.

“But if the new Mulleys service takes off it will really help Howard Estate residents, who can only benefit from this new competition.”

His fellow county councillor for Hardwick, Mark Ereira, said: “I think this is a great result for the community.”

The new Mulleys service will run from St Andrews Street South to the bus station, rail station, Tollgate, Prince Charles Avenue, Clay Road, St Olaves Precinct, Oakes Road, the Asda supermarket, the Falcon public house and back to Andrews Street South every 20 minutes from 7am until 6.20pm on Mondays to Saturday, except on Bank Holidays. It will come into effect on September 28.

First's route change, which was yesterday confirmed by a spokesman for the operator, will come into effect some time after Christmas.