RESIDENTS in May Hill have joined a campaign to retain the 677 bus service from Newent to Gloucester.

The twice weekly service, run by George Young's Coaches of Newent, provides a vital link for villagers to reach shops and services in Gloucester.

However the future of the service from May has been thrown into question after the contract between the company and Gloucestershire County Council will expire.

Cherry Burrows, who started the campaign, said: "Many residents live some considerable distance from main bus routes on the A40 and there is no bus service at all to nearby Newent.

"The contract for the 677 route from Newent to Gloucester via May Hill has recently been extended from 31 March to 31 May 2014 by Gloucestershire County Council."

The campaigners have been assured they have the backing from Labour prospective parliamentary candidate for the Forest of Dean, Steve Parry-Hearn. He said: "I am supporting May Hill residents in their efforts to secure a vital transport link for the future. This service can be used by young and old alike, some of whom do not have access to other means of transport."

In an email to Cherry, the public transport planner at Gloucestershire County Council, Bill Carr said: "The contract for service 677 is due to end on March 31 2014. Any changes to 677 have been dependent on knowing precisely what Stagecoach will be doing with their services between Newent and Gloucester. One of the options being considered is connections at Newent with the Stagecoach service that would provide a half hourly service to Gloucester. In the meantime we are extending the 677 service until May 31 2014 whilst we look for opportunities to continue to maintain good public transport links for our 677 passengers. Cherry added: "The option of half hourly service from Newent to Gloucester would mean that the service would not run via May Hill (where they only have the twice weekly service to Gloucester running through the village at present – the one which may be cut)."