From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, February 28, 2007

DEVON County Council's Fare Car F8 in Torridge is extending its service to Newton St Petrock from Monday 5 March.

The scheme, run by Holsworthy Cars, operates at regular intervals to and from Holsworthy and Launceston, and from villages including Ashwater, Bradford, Clawton, Halwill Junction, Milton Damerel and Thornbury from Monday to Saturday.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "This service is of great benefit to anyone living in rural areas who may wish to travel for shopping, medical appointments, leisure and also for work and education. With the extension of the scheme into another village in Torridge, it's continuing to provide a vital lifeline."

Councillor Des Shadrick, Devon County Councillor for Holsworthy Rural, said: "The Fare Car service has been very successful and has made a huge difference to lots of people's lives in the countryside, where everything begins and ends with a journey. It's given many people the opportunity to go out or get to work when they may not otherwise have had the chance."

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Devon County Councillor for Bideford South and Hartland, said: "In areas where there is no regular bus service the Fare Car provides an excellent alternative. They're reliable and convenient and the service can make a difference to the lives of those who are often left isolated."

The Fare Car has to be booked in advance but runs to fixed arrival and departure times in the towns like a bus service. Stops in Holsworthy include Manor Car Park, the Leisure Centre, Somerfield, and the Hospital/medical centre. In Launceston it covers Westgate Street, Tesco, the Hospital and Newport Industrial Estate. 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.

The 11:00am arrival in Holsworthy has been brought forward to 10:50am so people can use it to travel on to Bude on the X9 service.

The villages of Black Torrington, Chilla, Highampton and Sheepwash are no longer included on the service. These are still served by the F12 service which runs regularly to and from Okehampton.

The F6 Fare Car service is also operated by Holsworthy Cars in Torridge. It travels from the Bradworthy, Sutcombe and Pancrasweek areas to and from Holsworthy. The F6 also provides a service within Holsworthy to and from the hospital and medical centre at a special fare of £1.00 per single journey.

Notes for Editors:

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

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384

Councillor Des Shadrick 01409 253578

Councillor Humphrey Temperley 01237 420553.