Transport bosses are proposing major revisions to Bradford’s bus network to cover the loss of a service which runs around the outskirts of the city.

In early April, the Telegraph & Argus revealed that First bus company wanted to withdraw the 601/602 City Circular as it was no longer commercially viable.

Since then, the bus company has been holding talks with Metro, the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, to find an alternative way of serving people who live on the route.

The City Circular, which has operated for decades in various forms, currently provides an hourly service for residents of Smiddles Lane, Dudley Hill, Holme Wood, Undercliffe, Bolton, Lister Park and Little Horton.

But newly-unveiled proposals would see the introduction of a new service to cover most of the west side of the City Circular’s existing route.

The new 609 service would provide an hourly link between Bradford Interchange, St Luke’s Hospital, Little Horton, Morrisons in Girlington and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Meanwhile, the 670 service, which runs from Bradford to Greengates, Calverley and Leeds, would be extended to cover Undercliffe and Killinghall using a bus displaced from the City Circular route.

A report prepared by Metro officers said: “The network changes will be subject to consultation with officers and members of Bradford Council in advance of planned implementation in September.

“The revised network will improve access to the city centre and the hospitals for many households.

“However, there are some direct journey opportunities which will be lost requiring passengers to interchange in the City Centre.”

When the withdrawal of the City Circular was first proposed, John Mawdesley, of Bradford Older People’s Alliance (Bopa), urged transport chiefs to think hard in order to come up with suitable alternatives for those who live on the route.

Today, he welcomed the outcome of discussions between transport bosses and partner agencies.

Mr Mawdesley said: “What they have come up with is better than might have been expected. They could have just withdrawn it and forgotten about everyone who is affected.

“But I think they have done a good job and listened to people’s concerns.”