VITAL rural bus services previously facing significant reductions have been spared by Devon County Council.

The county council confirmed the 6.15pm journey from Exeter on the 359 Exeter to Moretonhampstead service would be retained. Also gaining a reprieve was the 6.09am service from Hatherleigh and the 6.46am service from Lydford on the 118 service Between Hatherleigh, Lydford and Tavistock.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'We have been clear throughout this process that reductions have been targeted to minimise the effect on the travelling public, and we have sought to avoid removing the last remaining service away from communities.

'We are continuing to do our best to maintain services wherever possible, and I have discussed the issue of funding for rural bus services with Transport Minister Norman Baker who has promised to investigate our concerns.'

Mr Hughes confirmed that with some services being run commercially, the county council has been able to reassess its bus service proposals.

'The intention of these reinstatements is to reduce the impact on people using these services, particularly those who use them for their work commute. I'm sure this news will be welcomed by those people who contacted me with their concerns.'

Other bus service cuts and reductions will go ahead as planned, including cuts to a number of school bus services.