THE step-sister of a teenager tragically killed in a road accident is campaigning to improve rural bus services.

It comes in the same week that parents voiced concerns they may have to walk children from Leominster to Ivington to school as their regular service is slashed.

Serena Fay Jopson launched a campaign group after discovering the evening bus from Hereford to Kington is being cut under plans to save Herefordshire Council £1 million over the next two years.

Miss Jopson, 19, from Kington, said: “Anything that can be done, as in just providing a few of our teenagers with alternatives to the car, may save multiple lives over the years.”

Miss Jopson lived with Jack Pritchard, who died in a collision on the A438 near Bridge Sollars earlier this month.

The loss of the 801 service – relied upon to transport children to and from Ivington CofE Primary School – has caused concern for parents.

Kathy Bland, whose son John attends the school, said: “For those who live at Barons Cross it’s quite a walk for them to get to the Leominster school, let alone to Ivington.”

Melanie Smith, acting head teacher at the school, added passengers on that “frequently full”

bus are primarily students, school pupils and people travelling to work.

In a statement, Councillor Paul Rone, cabinet member for transport and roads, confirmed the 801 Leominster to Ivington service is one of those being withdrawn.

“We appreciate this has had an impact in the area, however the children affected are attending school outside their catchment area.”

To join the campaign group email faytemple@gmail.com