A temporary lifeline bus service which was introduced after an estate was left without a bus will continue after April.

Hertfordshire County Council has announced it will continue to fund the W1, W2, W3, and W4 buses, which runs via the Meriden in Watford.

The county council acted following a cross-party campaign by Lib Dem Meriden councillors and Labour Meriden representative John Dowdle, after it was announced the 324 Arriva service would no longer serve the estate.

In October, the county council did stepped in, along with uno bus, and a contract has now been awarded to Red Eagle, which will provide part of the W services, with support from the county council for the rest of the operation.

The contract is for five years, with an option to extend it for a further two years - however the contract can be terminated by Red Eagle or the county council at three months' notice. The council adds the "commercial elements" of the service may be "revised or withdrawn at 70 days' notice".

The 202 between Ashwell and Morden station and the 304 service between Hitchin and St Albans have also received longer term funding.

Cllr Derrick Ashley, executive member for growth and infrastructure, said: “We know that people depend on these services for access to work, education, shops, personal services and social events so we are pleased to be in a position to be able to reassure them that they will continue to operate.”

“However, some commercial services across the county generate little or no real profit so we could be called on to support them at any time, putting more stress on budgets. The best advice we can give is to secure the future of your local bus service by using it whenever possible.”