A VILLAGE bus service has been saved – but residents have been warned 'use it or lose it'.

There was consternation in Bishopsteignton when it was revealed that the 184 service through the heart of the village to Teignmouth and Newton Abbot faced the axe because it was making a loss.

Now after the intervention of local district councillor Alun Williams, the operator, Country Bus, has agreed to give it one last try.

'We have reviewed the finances on this service and are going to try and keep the 184 going,' explained Ali Ellison, the managing director of Country Bus.

'We are improving the service by introducing earlier buses in each direction, and will also try and re-route into Teignmouth via the railway station to help passengers catch trains.

'If the doctor's surgery is closed, then that would mean more people wanting to travel to Teignmouth, so that would improve the viability of the service.

'But if people do not use the bus, and it continues to make a loss, then we will not be able to keep it going. If we can get enough to cover overheads and pay the driver, then it will be retained as a service to the village.'

Cllr Williams said the decision to retain the 184 came as a 'huge relief.'

'I had talks with Country Bus and they have been brilliant about this. They did not want to close the service, but cannot be expected to make a loss.

'It will be an even better service with the earlier bus and I would urge all villagers to support the bus as often as possible, otherwise it could disappear for ever.'

County Councillor Chris Clarance added that he was delighted that the service would be able to keep going without a council subsidy.