A TRANSPORT service which is part taxi, part bus is set to serve the villages north of Stroud in the new year and the county council would like to hear from potential users.

The taxi-bus is due for launch next February and will combine the cost of a bus with most of the convenience of a taxi.

But Gloucestershire County Council needs to know who thinks they might use the service and what routes they would like to see put in place.

Pick-up points will cover Painswick, Bisley, Sheepscombe, Cranham, Upton St Leonards, Whiteway, Miserden and Edgeworth but the timetable and route will be flexible depending on who wants a lift.

Passengers will ring to book a place on the eight-seater which should run from 8am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday.

The route will then be drawn up depending on who is using it at any particular time.

Though nothing is finalised it is expected that the taxi-bus will take passenger to and from either Gloucester or Stroud depending on demand and the day of the week and in some cases link up with the normal bus routes.

"It's early days and we are still working on the detail," said Rachel Shingler, the council's project management officer.

"But it aims to combat social exclusion so people are not stranded in more isolated communities.

"It will help give people access to employment, education, medical centres, social events and shops.

"The service will be open to all members of the public and at the moment we would like to hear from potential passengers so they can help us plan the new service."

The service will be just one of a handful of its kind in the UK and is being funded by a grant from the Department of Transport.

Anyone who would like to give their views should contact Ms Shingler by writing to Freepost NAT 5975, Gloucestershire County Council, Integrated Transport Unit, Shire Hall, Gloucester, GL1 2BF or phone her on 01452 425614.