IT'S all change on the buses in Chepstow with a new operator on routes around the town.

Routes C1 to C5 between the town centre, Thornwell, Sedbury, Garden City and The Danes had all been run by Bulwark-based Chepstow Classic buses.

Changes began on Saturday and there will be further alterations from February 6 when all town services will be run by Newport Transport.

The company already runs the 73 between Chepstow and Newport via Caerwent and the 62 between Sudbrook and Newport.

From Monday the C2 Chepstow to Bulwark service was withdrawn and the C1 Sedbury to Thornwell re-routed.

The C3 between the town centre and Thornwell has also be re-routed. Both services are still run by Chepstow Classic Buses.

Newport Transport stepped in to run the C4 town centre to Danes and C5 between the bus station and Garden City.

All services – the C1, C3, C4 and C5 – will be run by Newport Transport from February 6.

Chepstow Classic Buses have been criticised for the use of older buses on town routes.

As they were being run on a commercial basis with no subsidy, Monmouthshire Council could not insist on particular standards for the vehicles.

Chepstow Classic Buses underlined the fact that their buses were regularly maintained and were roadworthy.

A spokesman for Monmouthshire Council said: "Following the withdrawal of the C4 and C5 bus services in Chepstow we negotiated with Newport Transport to provide these services on a subsidised basis as from January 21.

"These services are deemed socially necessary, with some 27, 000 passenger journeys made a year combined on both services."

The services will be operated by low floor Disability Discrimination Act compliant vehicles.