New Vectare bus services from Fernwood to Newark, Farndon, East Stoke, Bingham and Nottingham welcomed by Fernwood Parish Council and residents

Residents have given the thumbs up to their new all day and evening bus services which launched this week.

The new Monday to Saturday service from operated by Vectare East Midlands has a timetable of fifteen buses a day from Fernwood via London Road to Newark Bus Station, Farndon, East Stoke and Bingham to Nottingham.

Fernwood resident Bryan was heading for the train station on the service’s first day and said the new service was "brilliant" for him.

Julie was particularly pleased that the Vectare buses allow dogs and contactless payments. Her mother Janet, who was visiting Fernwood, said she was “just glad there was a bus!”

Fellow residents Sarah and Lem said the new service made travel much easier.

Delighted resident Christine summed up the thought’s of villagers in a Facebook post: "I could paper the wall with the benefits the service will bring. I feel like I have been let out of jail."

The £2 single journey fare cap applies until the end of this year and concessionary passes can be used subject to the usual time of day restrictions.

Passengers can pay by cash (change is given) or contactless card.

Fernwood Parish Council chairman, Neill Mison, believes the new service is a massive boost for Fernwood.

He said: “We now have early morning services from just after 6am for those heading to work, school or study, an hourly all day service to town and beyond plus evening buses so you can leave the car at home when out for a night on the town.

“The existing Gem Travel 341 to Barnby-in-the-Willows, Centrebus 24 services to Long Bennington and Grantham, and Linolnshire County Council’s Kesteven Connect service to Claypole, Dry Doddington Long Bennington and Downtown still operate, so this really is win, win for Fernwood.

“It will also be a boon to young people wanting to enjoy their independence and might reduce the burden on mum and dad's taxi”

Nottinghamshire County Councillor for the Fernwood area, Johno Lee, said: “I, alongside my colleagues and councillor Sam Smith, have been dedicated to ensuring the best possible services for our community.

“This commitment was put to the test when our previous service provider stepped back.

“A special note of gratitude goes to councillor Neil Clarke, whose efforts were instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition to our new service provider, Vector.

“Our proactive approach was further demonstrated six months ago, when the Council launched a crucial consultation process. As the elected representative for Fernwood, I spearheaded this initiative in our area, engaging with residents to understand their expectations and preferences.

“This direct dialogue was not only enlightening but also pivotal in shaping the services we provide.

“Following this consultation, Nottinghamshire County Council engaged in detailed discussions with Vector and other service providers.

“Our goal was to ensure that the new services reflected the needs and wishes of our residents.

“Today, the services provided by Vector stand as a testament to the countless hours of hard work and dedication from the officers at Nottinghamshire County Council, elected members across the region, and the team at Vector.

“Their collective effort deserves our utmost appreciation. It's also important to acknowledge the residents who actively participated in the consultation process. Their engagement was key to the success of this endeavour.

“Despite the challenges we faced, I am incredibly proud to have played a role in this significant improvement to our community services in Fernwood, a goal residents have been aspiring to for over a decade.

“Councillor Sam Smith and I are also delighted to have been able to extend these enhanced services to the entire community and the surrounding areas we represent.

Full bus timetables are available online.