Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dan Poulter along with Ipswich Borough Councillors have secured a replacement bus service for route 19 in the town after the final stages of the route were axed last year.

Dr Poulter, together with Erion Xhaferaj, Chris Stewart and Robin Vickery, Dr Poulter met with Jeremy Cooper, managing director of Ipswich Buses, and reached agreement that a new bus service will operate from Stratford Court via the old 19 route along Valley Road and Norwich Road to Tower Ramparts, initially as a once a day service with a return service along the same route later in the morning.

The new service will replace the terminated route along Henley Road, Larchcroft Road, Congreve Road, Burke Road, Coleridge Road and Macaulay Road.

Dr Poulter became involved in the campaign to reinstate the final stage of bus 19 after a number of older residents contacted him about the impact that the loss of the bus service has had on their lives. He was told those who relied heavily on the bus had found it difficult to do the weekly shop and travel into town for doctor and hospital appointments.

Dr Poulter said: “I am delighted that I have been able to help restore this vital bus route, and am very grateful for the help and understanding of Jeremy Cooper.

“The loss of the final stage of bus 19’s route has had a detrimental effect on local residents who have told me of the long distances they have had to walk in often unpleasant weather conditions to reach their nearest public transport.

“With many residents using the route to get to GPs, hospitals, shops, and to visit family and friends, I thought it very important to help them with this important campaign and I am glad that we have come to a positive conclusion.”