THE THREAT to the bulk of a Severnside's town bus services could still be be lifted, says a local expert.

Stagecoach in South Wales, which runs the weekday daytime 74 and X74 from Caldicot to Chepstow and Newport, says it will withdraw the services from the end of July.

But David Bubier, who lives in the town and is a member of the Omnibus Society, told Caldicot Town Council the key date would be Thursday, May 22.

He said: "May 22 is the date that Stagecoach has to deregister the services. There is a lot of talking to be done and people should not panic yet."

There is the prospect that Newport Bus could take over the services – as the company did when Stagecoach pulled its 73 service from Chepstow to Newport.

If Stagecoach South Wales did pull out of Severnside it could offer the opportunity of "something better" with a specific franchise for the area, said Mr Bubier.

The town council has agreed to write expressing concern to Newport East MP Jessica Morden and the constituency's Assembly Member John Griffiths. Cllr Jim Higginson said: "There has been a lot of sabre-rattling going on over this issue."

He said Monmouthshire County Council's passenger transport unit had been involved in the issue and "negotiations are on-going".

Cllr Maria Stephens said she was concerned for young people who need to use the 74 to get to college in Newport.

Cllr Wyndham Conniff added: "They (Stagecoach) are disadvantaging this community, particularly the young people."