Some new and improved bus services are being introduced in one county, a council has said.

North Northamptonshire Council is subsidizing the new services from its own budgets and through funding from the previous Government’s Bus Service Improvement Program and contributions from developers.

The move supports the council’s own Bus Service Improvement Plan which was approved this year and adds to other service improvements announced in September.

Council leader Jason Smithers said: “It is important that we do what we can to develop our well-connected communities and I am pleased that we can strengthen our bus network.”

He added: “Buses play an important role in reducing congestion on our roads, reducing pollution and helping us meet our ambitious carbon reduction targets.”

The changes include a new Monday to Saturday service between Corby, Corby Village, Little Stanion and Magna Park.

Improved services include an extension of Stagecoach service 2 from Corby to Kettering via Priors Hall, Weldon, Oakley Vale and Kettering General Hospital and a new evening service from Corby town center to Corby properties from Monday to Friday.

Demand response services include three return journeys on schedule to distribution centers in Corby from Raunds, Thrapston and Stanion, three return journeys from Corby to Rushden Lakes in the afternoon and evening and early morning connections and late evenings to and from Northampton at Rushden Lakes to many East Northamptonshire towns and villages.

Councilor Matt Binley, responsible for roads, travel and assets, said the improvements were “a welcome addition to our network and a great way for people to get to work, go shopping or just meet up with friends”.

“There are many advantages for people traveling by bus. I hope people start using these new routes as it is essential for many of the services to continue and hopefully eventually become fully commercially viable.”

More details can be found at North Northamptonshire Council. website.