CONTROVERSIAL plans to axe a bus route between Monmouth and Chepstow have been scrapped following a public outcry.

A petition with more than 1,400 signatures calling for the number 65 bus route to be saved was delivered to Monmouthshire County Council on Thursday.

The withdrawal of the service had been cited as a potential budget-saving measure, but it was revealed that it would no longer be pursued by council chiefs.

Independent councillor Debby Blakebrough hailed “people power” as the driving force behind the authority’s decision.

Cllr Blakebrough described the route as “vital” for residents of all ages from rural communities along the B4293 such as Devauden, Llanishen, Trellech, The Narth and Penallt.

“Cutting this service is to sever their lifeline as we know without public transport, they can’t access education, employment, social and leisure activities,” said Cllr Blakebrough.

“Any decision to remove public transport is in clear with Monmouthshire’s vision to end loneliness and isolation and to create a thriving and connected county.”

Cllr Blakebrough said the ‘Save the 65 Bus’ campaign began at the start of July, spearheaded by the “incredible” Rosemary Corcoran, a resident who uses the service.

“Her commitment, her drive, her community spirit got everybody onboard with this,” Cllr Blakebrough added.

Cllr Blakebrough thanked residents for “flooding the inboxes” of Roger Hoggins, the council’s head of operations, and Conservative councillor Bryan Jones, cabinet member for operations.

The elected member for Trellech also praised Conservative councillor Richard John, cabinet member for education, for meeting with residents during the campaign.

Cllr Blakebrough said: “We are at the end of July now and I was made aware only two days ago that the decision to axe route has been overturned.

“They shouted, you heard, and it is people power that saved the 65.”

Cllr Jones said “no firm decision” had been taken to withdraw the number 65 bus service, a proposal which had arisen during budget consultations in February.

“It was agreed as a potential budget-saving measure by council in March and the service was scheduled to cease at the end of July if withdrawn,” added Cllr Jones.

“We listened carefully to all subsequent comments and evaluated passenger data before arriving at our decision to retain the service.”