A TRIAL ‘Penarth Circular’ bus service, introduced by the Vale of Glamorgan Council with support from Penarth Town Council, is set to end.

The P1 circular service, operated by St David’s Buses, will be withdrawn on Sunday, October 31. It was introduced on a trial basis in mid-July, to link Penarth Marina, the barrage, the town centre, the Esplanade and Cosmeston.

User numbers have not proved sufficiently and consistently high enough for St David’s Buses, who decided to withdraw from the service during September. However, the Vale Council and Penarth Town Council have stepped in to ensure the service continues to operate until the end of October. Cllr Jeffrey James, Vale Council cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "The service was always intended as a trial over the summer period.

"Whilst numbers have been encouraging, it was disappointing to discover that the operator wanted to withdraw earlier this month - particularly given the effort that has gone into publicising and promoting the service by both councils. "I am nevertheless pleased that the Vale Council and Penarth Town Council have been able to meet the additional funding required to ensure the continuation of the service until the end of October.

"Beyond this the service will cease, given that it was always the intention that this service was a seasonal one linking key sites within Penarth.

"I have however asked that officers explore the potential to look at re-introducing a similar service for the next holiday season."

Leader of Penarth Town Council, John Fraser, said that the trial had been successful in demonstrating that a circular route could work, particularly during summer months. He added: "I look forward to exploring options for the re-introduction of a similar seasonal service next year, to enable visitors to take in the Esplanade, Cosmeston, the town centre and the Marina."

The timetable for Bus Service P1 can be found on the Vale’s website www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk