THE future of an East Cornwall bus service looks set to be secured after a company has officially taken over the route, but concerns have been raised about changes that could be made and the effect it will have on members of the community. The 79 service between Callington and Tavistock was temporarily taken over jointly by Plymouth CityBus and Western Greyhound after DAC Coaches announced at short notice in late March that it would cease trading. Since then Cornwall Council has been taking bids from bus companies to take over the service and Western Greyhound has announced it was successful in securing the contract. Managing director of Cornish-based Western Greyhound Mark Howarth told the Times: 'We were sorry to hear about the demise of DAC Coaches and were proud to have been able to replace its 79/79A service almost immediately, jointly with Plymouth CityBus. Bids to devise permanent replacement services were invited by Cornwall Council and we are delighted that our proposals as offering best value have been accepted. 'We will be operating an hourly 547 bus between Tavistock and Callington via Gunnislake and Calstock with a couple of journeys a day, numbered 575, via Cotehele. This service will link with the existing 574 bus between Liskeard and Callington which will divert through Westover Road Estate. This will mean a bus every hour from Tavistock right through via Liskeard, to the coast at Looe and Polperro giving wonderful opportunities for a nice day out.' Mr Howarth also said that the 576 bus will be diverted a couple of times a day through Downgate, and will be extended to Bude to replace First's 76 bus, and there would be new evening journeys to Plymouth — also replacing First's 76 bus. The 576 will operate every hour between Launceston, Callington and Plymouth, with two-hourly extensions to Bude. 'The full timetables are still awaiting official approval, and once that is received, the information will be available on Western Greyhound's website at http://www.westerngreyhound.com">www.westerngreyhound.com or by calling 01637 871871,' said Mr Howarth. However, despite the continuation of the bus service, the possible changes to the route have caused concern to a Callington councillor, who has called a meeting to discuss the changes. Town councillor and Cornwall councillor for Callington Andrew Long said: 'The concern that is being raised is regarding the "town service" part of the new bus route — because at the moment it looks like the routes to the north to Kelly Bray and the services to some estates will be stopped and this will have a dramatic effect on the ability of the elderly and infirm to get into the town centre. 'I have asked for an urgent meeting with both the council's public transport officers and Western Greyhound so we can get to the bottom of what is being cut and what will remain.' Mr Howarth responded that no-one had mentioned the concerns to him and that that the main estates at Westover and Beech Road would still be served. He said the company discussed the submission with representatives of the bus users before submitting its bid.