From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, September 02, 2008

A NEW direct bus service from Newton Abbot and Kingskerswell to Torbay Hospital and South Devon College will launch on Monday 8 September.

Service 66, operated by Stagecoach, will provide an hourly daytime link from Monday to Friday, to the main entrance of Torbay Hospital and quicker journeys to South Devon College. Some off-peak journeys also extend to Brixham, providing a more direct link.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "I am delighted that Stagecoach is introducing this new link which meets many of the requests for a bus service into Torbay Hospital, as well as providing more direct journeys to South Devon College."

Councillor Anne Fry, Devon County Councillor for Newton Abbot North, said: "I very much welcome this new service which will make it much easier for residents of Newton Abbot and the surrounding area to access both Torbay Hospital and the South Devon College. A direct route to the Hospital has long been requested and I thank the Devon County Council, Torbay Council and Stagecoach for working together to make this happen."

Councillor Gordon Hook, Devon County Councillor for Newton Abbot South, said: "I am delighted this new service is starting, as I know it will be much appreciated by hospital patients and college students alike. Local bus services need improving and this is certainly a step in the right direction."

Timetable leaflets for service 66 will be available from Newton Abbot Tourist information Centre, or call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

Councillor Anne Fry, 01626 368054.

Councillor Gordon Hook, 01626 362070.