From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, March 06, 2007

DEVON County Council's Fare Car scheme in South Molton is extending from Monday 12 March.

Fare Car F10, run by Adrian's Private Hire, operates at regular intervals to and from South Molton from villages including East Anstey, King's Nympton, Knowstone, Molland, Rose Ash and West Anstey, from Monday to Saturday.

From Monday it will now also include Chittlehamholt, Clapworthy, Satterleigh and Warkleigh.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "Once more this valuable service which responds to people's travel needs, is being developed in another part of Devon - this time in a sparsely populated area of North Devon.

"I am glad to see the extension of this service providing much needed links for people living in small communities and their larger neighbouring towns that have so many facilities to offer."

The service, funded by Devon County Council, runs to fixed arrival and departure times in South Molton. These include The Square, Somerfield, the Hospital and Community College. The car will collect passengers from any address or point in the rural area that is accessible by car. The fare is £2.50 per single journey.

Anyone may use the service, which is of great benefit for those wishing to travel for shopping, medical appointments, work, education or leisure.

Councillor Jeremy Yabsley, Devon County Councillor for South Molton Rural, said: "Our rural areas are only sparsely served by buses on main routes and the convenient and affordable Fare Car service plays an important role in many people's lives. The proposed extension is to be welcomed."

Councillor Joe Tucker, Devon County Councillor for Chulmleigh and Swimbridge, said: "Devon County Council has decided to provide this wonderful service to local villages that aren't served regularly by buses. I hope the community lends its full backing and makes good use of it."

The 08:50 and 10:20 arrivals in South Molton have been brought forward by five minutes, while the 17:30 departure from South Molton (to connect with the National Express coach) and the 18:30 arrival have been put back by 15 minutes. The once a day journey to Tiverton has been discontinued.

For more information contact 01392 383481 or log on to the website at www.devon.gov.uk/devonbus

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384

Councillor Jeremy Yabsley 01884 860745

Councillor Joe Tucker 01271 850844.