THE number of buses on a circular service around Bracknell look set to be halved as government budget cuts start to bite. 

Two services, the 157 and 158, are supported by Bracknell Forest Council but will only run once every hour from Monday, August 1 onwards as the council look to make savings. 

The services currently run in opposing directions on a half-hourly basis but from August 1 the 157 will leave the bus station on the hour and the 158 on the half-hour.

Cllr Chris Turrell, executive member for planning and transport, said: "Central government set a challenge to councils’ budgets as part of its mandate to reduce public spending, and local bus services are not immune from the tough decisions we must make.

"However compared to some local authorities, which have seen wholesale cuts to services, this is only a small change to the overall supported bus network - there will still be a bus every half hour on this route, as exists at the moment.

“We continue to work closely with Courtney Buses and other operators to ensure we have bus services which meet the needs of our residents. This includes planning services for the opening of the new town centre next year."

Despite cuts to the council-supported route, the commercial 194 route operated by Courtney Buses will see an increase in the frequency of buses between Bracknell and Camberly in the morning and evening from August 1.

Courtney Buses have recently relocated their main operation to the town centre and have opened an office in the bus station.

New timetables will be available at local libraries, town and parish council offices and online at www.courtneybuses.com