CAMPAIGNERS for rural transport are celebrating after obtaining two more destinations for a bus route they saved three years ago.

In 2018, council bosses announced they would be stopping the No 65 bus service between Monmouth and Chepstow, which as well as being one of Wales’ most picturesque routes, is a transport “lifeline” to many people living in the small isolated villages in between.

But a residents’ campaign and petition, supported by Monmouth MP David Davies, persuaded transport chiefs to change their mind and keep the Wye Valley high road service, which has provided essential transport for key workers during the pandemic.

And after further proposals from the ‘Friends of the 65 Bus’ route, Monmouthshire Council bosses have now added two further village stops to hopefully boost the use of the service.

As well as stopping in Lydart, Trellech, Llanishen, Cobblers Plain, Devauden, Itton and Chepstow Hospital, the 45-minute service will now include Penallt and The Narth.

Rosemary Corcoran, who helped launch the petition to save the route in 2018, said: “The Friends of the 65 Bus are pleased to announce that as of Monday, March 22, all the services between Monmouth and Chepstow will run through the villages of Penallt and The Narth.

“This is a very positive decision as it opens the potential of travel to more passengers throughout the day.

“Friends of the 65 Bus have been in discussion with Monmouthshire County Council for sometime and are extremely pleased with this outcome.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank MCC for operating the service throughout the pandemic as it has been a lifeline for essential passengers – carers, workers, shoppers, etc.

“Thank you also to the dedicated drivers who have kept the bus running during this difficult period.

“Friends of the 65 Bus look forward to seeing regular and new passengers when restrictions are lifted and it is safe to travel again.”

As well as obtaining a brand new bus and an improved service, the campaign has fostered a greater sense of community spirit, particularly providing older residents with a vital transport link.

When presenting the residents’ petition to Monmouthshire Council in 2018,

Cllr Debby Blakebrough said any decision to remove public transport was in opposition to “Monmouthshire’s vision to end loneliness and isolation and to create a thriving and connected county”.

The service is also popular with visitors and walkers, offering views across to the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.

There are six journeys per day, Monday to Friday, from Chepstow bus station at 7am, 8.45am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 3.30pm and 5.15pm, and five per day from Monmouth bus station leaving at 7.45am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

On Saturday, there are four trips both ways, leaving from Chepstow at 9.10am, 10.45am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm, and Monmouth at 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 5pm.

To see the full timetable, go to friendsofthe65bus.org.uk