More than 400 residents from across Stocksbridge and Deepcar have taken part in a survey which will help to shape the plans for a new “hopper style” community bus for the area.

The service will be funded through part of the £24.1m government investment from the  Stocksbridge Town Deal, it is one of the 10 projects aimed at making major improvements in the area.

Residents were given the opportunity to comment on potential routes and how the new service could run by taking part in a survey which was available online and in Stocksbridge Library.

The consultation ran through January and closed last week with more than 400 people submitting their responses and ideas.

The bus project aims to create a regular, reliable, and sustainable Stocksbridge based service which links with the current public transport links in the town - it’s hope that the new service will launch later this year.

The largest investment through the town’s fund will deliver major improvements to the Manchester Road area, with a new Library and Community Hub building at its heart. There are also plans to enhance recreation and sporting facilities across the town.

A spokeswoman for the Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board said: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the survey – there is clearly a lot of support and interest in the new local bus service. We will now be going through all the feedback we have received and engaging with potential local partners to run the service.

“We know that people are keen to see this operating as soon as possible and we’re looking forward to sharing more details including a start date in the coming weeks and months.”

To find out more about the Stocksbridge Towns Fund and the projects planned for the town visit www.welcometostocksbridge.co.uk