VILLAGERS are set to benefit from two new rural transport schemes, thanks to grants of £120,000 from the Countryside Agency.People living in Wattisham, Lavenham, Bildeston, Monks Eleigh, Brent Eleigh, Kettlebaston, Preston St Mary and Brettenham will benefit when the Lavenham and Area Mini Bus Scheme starts in the autumn.

VILLAGERS are set to benefit from two new rural transport schemes, thanks to grants of £120,000 from the Countryside Agency.

People living in Wattisham, Lavenham, Bildeston, Monks Eleigh, Brent Eleigh, Kettlebaston, Preston St Mary and Brettenham will benefit when the Lavenham and Area Mini Bus Scheme starts in the autumn.

Lavenham already has a commercial bus service, but the need for an extra scheme was highlighted after a survey by Lavenham Parish Council.

Marylyn Gurling, chairman of Lavenham Parish Council, said: "Not only will it help older and disabled residents become more mobile, but also younger people wishing to utilise things like sports facilities, as well as giving a boost to businesses in the area."

The scheme will involve a mixture of dial-a-ride and scheduled services run by not-for-profit organisations within the Babergh district.

People living in Dickleburgh, Rushall, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, Scole and Thelveton will be able to travel to Diss more easily from June 24 thanks to a five-times-a-day bus service from the villages.

The Diss Express will be operated by Anglian Coaches and was set up with £40,000 from the Countryside Agency and £1,000 from South Norfolk District Council.

Dickleburgh parish councillor Richard Hill said: "This is a real example of teamwork as four parish councils were involved in putting the application to the Countryside Agency together."