Oldmeldrum bus users have received a boost following the axing of a route.Planned alterations to services will reinstate a vital public transport link used by local residents to access health facilities in Dyce.

Through bus services between Oldmeldrum, Newmachar and Dyce Asda shopping centre ceased when bus routes were altered last October – prompting many complaints and a petition which was signed by nearly 240 people unhappy at the loss of direct bus services from Oldmeldrum, Newmachar to Dyce Asda.

Green Councillor Martin Ford and  took up the issue with bus operator Stagecoach Bluebird. He pressed the company on the need to provide services via Dyce Asda because these enabled residents to get to Dyce Health Centre for doctors’ appointments.

Last November, Stagecoach Bluebird agreed to look again at the demand for services via Dyce Asda and sent a questionnaire to those who had signed the petition complaining at the October bus route change.

Now, details of a new day-time Stagecoach Bluebird service between Oldmeldrum, Newmachar and Dyce Asda shopping centre are expected to be published on Monday May 13. The new service (Service 235) is expected to start running on Monday, July 8.

Councillor Ford said: “I’m very pleased Stagecoach Bluebird has reconsidered the need for services to call at Dyce Asda shopping centre.

“I know many residents will welcome the return of a bus service they relied on for getting to medical appointments.

“The planned new 235 Service does not replicate the frequency of buses to Dyce Asda that existed before last October, and will only operate through the middle of the day.

“But I have seen the proposed timetable and a summary of the responses to Stagecoach Bluebird’s questionnaire, and the planned new service should cater for most of the demand identified. “It is certainly a huge improvement on no direct service at all.”

Ellon Times