A MEETING to discuss the future of bus services in Barry has met with two companies keen to engage with the Vale Council.

The meeting on December 23, involving Elwyn Toozer – a lead campaigner in the fight to retain the 98 Highlight Park service – and Vale MP Alun Cairns, saw them encouraged by the response from Watts Coaches and Cardiff Bus.

Mr Cairns now plans to write to the Vale Council to ask them to respond to their willingness to discuss issues.

More than 2500 have so far expressed support for saving the 98 service which could be halted in April next year.

Alun said: "Watts coaches are keen to engage with the local authority to see how they can develop existing routes to better serve Barry, particularly the areas that we have been worried about.

"I hope the Vale Council will engage with them positively. It may well be that some relatively minor changes to some existing routes could make a world of difference to many people.

"Cardiff Bus shared the specific data surrounding the 98 service and clearly we need to encourage as many people as possible to use it. The more that use it, the more viable it becomes. They are also keen to discuss the issues with the Vale Council.

"The final rate that the Welsh Government will pay for bus pass users is not yet agreed and this will be key to the future of the 98 and many other services.

"The petition to support the 98 Service in particular and bus services in general is well in excess of 2500. This demonstrates the priority placed by local residents."