THE bus company who are set to take over from First's remaining routes next week have just announced they are extending services in Hawick.

Perryman’s Buses took over several local and town services from First last summer.

This week the company, who are owned by West Coast Motors, announced they are to alter its Hawick town bus service H1/H2 to include more areas of the town.

The decision to adjust the current timetable follows a series of discussions with local community groups, councillors and council officials.

The amendments, which are subject to approval from Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Traffic Commissioner, include extending the route in Burnfoot and serving the new housing estate in Stonefield.

Claire Lark, operations manager at Perryman’s Buses, told the Border Telegraph: "As a local bus company we actively engage with the communities we serve to ensure we deliver a reliable bus service which meets the needs of our customers.

"Since launching the Hawick town services we have received some fantastic feedback mainly around driver friendliness and the reliability of the service.

"In relation to extending the route this is something we said we would explore if there was demand and it didn’t impact on reliability.

"Due to high volumes of congestions in certain areas of the town we had highlighted our reluctance to change some parts of the route.

"However, we have worked closely and constructively with local councillors who have, and will, be overseeing the installation of traffic management systems to ensure our vehicles can move easily around the town.

"We hope our customers make full use of the updated bus service and it encourages more people in Hawick to use the bus."

Once approved the updated timetable should be introduced from Monday, May 22.

Traffic management systems to be installed include introducing double yellow lines in highly congested areas along the route.

Debbie Connett from Burnfoot is delighted with the extended service. She said: “I’m chuffed to bits the service will be extended and I will be able to get the bus outside my front door.

"Not all bus companies listen to their customers, but Perryman’s Buses do and we’re lucky to have them in the town."

The new Burnfoot route will operate from Burnfoot Shops via Kenilworth Avenue, Burnfoot Road, Burnhead Road, Eildon Road, Galalaw Road, Hillend Drive, Fraser Avenue, Kenilworth Avenue, Burnfoot Road, to Burnfoot Shops.

Vertish journeys will leave from Kirk Wynd, Liddesdale Road, Stonefield (anti-clockwise), Liddesdale Crescent, Slitrig Crescent and current route via the Bridal Shop.

Councillor Stuart Marshall said: "I’m absolutely delighted Perryman’s Buses have listened to residents and will be extending its operations in Burnfoot and other parts of the town. It’s refreshing to have such open and honest dialogue.

"When the bus company arrived in Hawick last August I was given assurance the route would be reviewed over time and I’m pleased Perryman’s Buses has stayed true to their word.

"To ensure the new bus route is a success I would encourage local people to frequently use the bus and ask drivers to be mindful when parking on lines of route."