HIGHWORTH has been given an extra bus service to enable people to travel directly to the Great Western Hospital.

Previously the town's residents had to change in central Swindon if they wanted to get to the hospital by bus.

Brinkworth-based company Ad-Rains is running the new number 27 service under contract to Swindon Council.

The hourly service starts at Brewery Street, near the new Co-op store, and will go around the town in the opposite direction to the current number seven service provided by Stagecoach.

The new service stops at Sainsbury's in Stratton Park before going to the hospital. It runs on weekdays.

Highworth town councillor Steve Weisinger has been campaigning for the extra service for the past 18 months.

He said: "This new service will mean that people can get to the hospital in 15 minutes if they catch the bus as it leaves Highworth, instead of an hour and a half.

"There is no need for anyone to take their car to the hospital anymore, whether they have an appointment or they are visiting people.

"It should ease the car parking problem there.

"We have the service for 12 months and it is down to the people in the town to make the most of it.

"If they don't use it then they could lose it."

Timetables are available from Highworth Library and town council offices.

Wiltshire and Swindon Half Fare passes may be used on this service, but not Swindon Trip cards.