KEY bus services providing links to the town centre are to be extended in preparation of The Lexicon's grand opening in September.

From August 20 Route 150 for example, will run until 11pm Monday to Saturday, rather than the last service reaching the bus station at 9.02pm. In will operate between 9am and 6pm on a Sunday. 

Route 108 will run until 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and between 9am and 6pm on Sundays.

Route 158 will run until 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 6pm on Sundays.

Route 162 will have an additional journey at 10.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Commercial routes operated by Courtney Buses will also operate a later service.

Councillor Chris Turrell, executive member for planning and transport, said: “We have worked closely with Courtney Buses to provide the best services possible with the funding available.

“We are very pleased Courtney Buses have decided to extend their commercial journeys and divert the 171 and 172 routes to serve the Harmans Water area which are two of our most popular routes. Unfortunately it is not possible to extend all of the routes the council contributes towards at this time so we have prioritised our most well used routes."

Bracknell Forest Council says it is working to support other operators to extend their services.

Simon Russian, development manager for Legal & General on behalf of Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, said: “We are pleased to see the introduction of extended bus services to the new town centre, which will support the evening economy.

"When The Lexicon opens on 7 September, the town centre’s evening offer will be transformed with the opening of a 12 screen Cineworld and a range of restaurants, including Nando’s, Wagamama, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Carluccio’s and Pizza Express.”

New timetables will be available from libraries and council offices from the beginning of August.

For more information, go to www.courtneybuses.com