THE reprieve for two threatened Haslemere bus services agreed by Surrey County Council in May following a public consultation has been formally confirmed by Stagecoach.

Surrey's Cabinet agreed in May that bus service 70 from Guildford to Midhurst via Haslemere and route 71 from Guildford to Haslemere should continue to operate at their current level of service – but that a financial impact assessment should be undertaken in a year's time.

A new two-hourly Sunday service will also be trialled.

Last week, Surrey's Cabinet member for transport and environment councillor John Furey confirmed, following further discussions with Stagecoach, that the current levels of service for routes 70 and 71 would be maintained. The bus operator has expressed continuing concerns about the routes' economic viability.

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.