BUS services in the evenings in Stockton-on-the-Forest will be reintroduced next month following a campaign by residents and councillors.

Three evening Coastliner services, run by Transdev, were withdrawn returning to the village from the city centre in October last year when the winter timetable was introduced, meaning the last bus back to Stockton-on-the-Forest left York at 9.15pm.

Local residents objected to the changes, and contacted the company, along with Julian Sturdy, York Outer MP, and Paul Doughty, Strensall Ward Councillor. A petition was drawn up and presented to City of York Council and Transdev.

Last week it was confirmed that the village will be served by buses leaving York at 8.25pm, 9.25pm and 10.55pm from May 23.

Mr Sturdy said: “I’m really pleased that Transdev have listened to the strongly expressed views of the community and amended the timetable to reflect the demand for a late night return journey back from the City. These changes are long overdue, but very welcome all the same.”

Coun Doughty said: “Stockton residents will now be able to enjoy an evening in the City or do a late shift at work, safe in the knowledge that a public transport option will still be available to them.

"Regular and reliable bus services are a real lifeline to our rural communities. I hope that the new Coastliner timetable will be more permanent so that residents in Stockton-on-the-Forest won’t have to worry about their evening bus services next winter.”