BUS passengers in Old Town were celebrating yesterday after being told their road would still have a service despite fears it was to be scrapped.

Swindon Council announced at its last cabinet meeting that the number 22 would no longer cover Kingshill and would be run as a commercial service. Many people feared they would no longer be able to get to the town centre for shopping or medical appointments.

Rita Hawkins, of WilliamStreet, launched a petition to keep the bus running past her home and collected more than 250 signatures.

She was delighted to hear a new service 25 will operate three return journeys a day, from Monday to Saturday, between Kingshill and Rushy Platt.

“I was really relieved to hear the news,” said Rita.

“Three buses a day is better than nothing. I know lots of people round here will be happy with the decision.”

Thamesdown Transport is bringing in a number of other changes to its subsidised bus services from October 27 to reflect a new strategy for supporting public transport.

Service 21 will run between Penhill Valley and Fleming Way only, making three return journeys a day from Monday to Saturday.

A new service 23 will link Stratton Park and Coleview with Fleming Way, also making three return journeys a day from Monday to Saturday.

People using Service 22 will be able to travel between Okus, Old Town, Fleming Way, the Outlet Village, Bridgemead and Barnfield. The Fleming Way to Barnfield section of the service will be replaced by Service 29 and will remain financially supported by the council.

Service 22 will run every 30 minutes on Mondays to Saturdays. On Sundays it will run only between Fleming Way and Barnfield.

Service 26, which runs a circular route between the bus station and Rodbourne, will be withdrawn completely as support from Swindon Council ends.

Service 47, between Swindon, Wanborough, Bishopstone, Ashbury and Lambourn will be withdrawn after operation on Saturday, October 26. A replacement bus service, Service 90, will be provided by the Go Ride bus company from Monday, October 28. This will not serve Lower Wanborough and so more Thamesdown Service 46A and 48A journeys will run that way.

A new Service 46 and 48 timetable leaflet shows the details, including other changes to Service 48 to improve timekeeping.

Thamesdown smartcards and scholars passes will not be accepted on Go Ride’s Service 90. Holders of these tickets who will be affected by this change can ask for a refund of any remaining credit or unused travel in person at the Travel Shop in Fleming Way, or by post to Thamesdown Transport, Barnfield Road, Swindon, SN2 2DJ.

Between Wanborough and Swindon, Thamesdown day return and 10-journey tickets issued on Services 46A and 48A will be accepted by Go Ride and tickets issued on Go Ride Service 90 will be accepted on the 46A and 48A.

Go Ride will also accept Thamesdown 10-journey tickets issued for use throughout Service 47 until Saturday, November 23. Forinformation visit www.thamesdownbus.com.