Bus services to three Swindon schools have almost certainly been saved after councillors agreed to shelve plans to end them.

Cabinet members agreed with the findings of a task force set up to look into the services to Warneford School in Highworth, Ridgeway School in Wroughton and St Catherine's Primary School in Upper Stratton which were to be cut.

Although the final decision will be made at the ratification committee meeting in two week's time, the cabinet decision will almost certainly be agreed.

Swindon council will meet the £13,000 cost to allow the number 81 bus from North Swindon to Highworth to continue on a commercial basis. Negotiations between Thamesdown Transport and council officers to accommodate non-entitled school children in Freshbrook travelling to Ridgeway School by diverting services to replace the route 18 buses were also approved.