Residents of Bramford have expressed their relief after a new bus service to Ipswich and other surrounding areas was announced.

The 8B bus will connect the villages of Bramford and Sproughton with the employment areas of Eastern Gateway and Farthing Road Industrial Estate, as well as to Ipswich.

The hourly service, which will operate from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, will begin on April 15.

Ipswich Star:

Councillor Chris Chambers, county councillor for Gipping Vale, said: “Since becoming the county councillor for Gipping Valley Division, I have wanted to bring a bus service to Bramford. The village has seen extensive levels of housing development in recent years and with Ipswich being in such close proximity, it is only right that residents are able to access public transport.

“This service will benefit all residents of Bramford, including young people wanting to travel to Ipswich for educational and leisure purposes.”

Rural communities across Suffolk will benefit from new bus routes as part of a £1.2m spend by Suffolk’s Enhanced Partnerships, which represents the county council and local bus operators.

The funding from the government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan will also be used for new services connecting villages between Stowmarket and Mendlesham, and enhancements to the 84 and 753 services connecting Sudbury to Colchester and Bury St Edmunds.

Dan Bassett, managing director of Ipswich Buses, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be expanding Ipswich Buses network of services to provide those living in Bramford, Sproughton and Ipswich with a public transport option of travel to areas of employment, healthcare services, education and leisure activities.

“Good public transport links positively impact local communities in improving accessibility, mobility and the overall quality of life for residents.”

Bramford residents have taken to social media to express their relief at the new bus route.

One said: “Thank you to everyone who made this happen.”

Another wrote: “Brilliant news especially as we are now being overpopulated with housing and the roads out of Bramford get very overcrowded at rush hour/school times.”