THE chaotic bus service in Stroud district has been alleviated today after drivers were drafted in from other areas, a councillor has said.

There have been many cancellations in the area since August 29, which bus firm Stagecoach has said is due to a shortage of drivers, caused by Brexit and the pandemic.

However, today (Wednesday) there were no disruptions to service.

Gloucestershire County Councillor John Bloxsom (Labour, Rodborough) said there is currently an acute driver shortage at the Stroud Stagecoach depot, which runs the firm's services in the district.

"We are aware that there’s a driver shortage, but it’s apparently worse in Stroud district," he said.

He believes there are currently 30 drivers, meaning that they are 10 short of what they should have.

But today (Wednesday), drivers from other depots helped to fill the gap.

Cllr Bloxsom said: "My understanding is that as of yesterday the Stroud depot was 10 drivers short.

"Stagecoach are in the process of covering local routes out of other depots - Swindon, Chipping Norton, Witney - to relieve some of the pressure.

"There are Stagecoach West cancellations elsewhere today, so it may be they are switching resources around due to the acute problem in Stroud District."

The councillor added that despite the absence of cancellations in Stroud today, there’s an underlying problem which remains.

He said: "We urge the company to address the associated pay, conditions and management issues.

"Bus transport is vital, to help reduce car use and cut carbon emissions.

"We are calling on the County Council, which is the local transport authority, to do all that is within its power.

"A report about buses to next week’s County Cabinet talks about a “high level strategy” - we need to see resources committed now to get this sorted.”

A spokesman for Stagecoachh said that over 95% of normal timetabled bus services are continuing to run.

Rachel Geliamassi, managing director for Stagecoach West, said: “We are continuing to run over 95% of our timetabled services and have firm plans in place to return to full services as quickly as possible.

“Whilst we are seeing a normal turnover in staff, as there is in all parts of the economy, issues such as Covid and Brexit have also affected our business, and this has resulted in a short-term phasing issue with the availability of bus drivers.

“We have been carrying out a recruitment drive and are pleased with the strong level of interest we have seen from people wanting to join the Stagecoach team.

"We now have a new team of drivers going through our training programme that will be getting on the road in the weeks ahead.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience.

"We are focusing resources on key services to ensure that we deliver the best service possible within current resources while we work to add the new members to our team.”

Live updates will be provided detailing any services changes at www.stagecoachbus.com

There are currently some changes to services in Cheltenham taking effect from this Sunday, due to the driver shortage issue:

1. The 94/94X/94U/N94 services will have a revised Saturday and Sunday timetable up to every 15 minutes during the peak daytime period. There will be no Service 94X operating on Saturdays or Sundays. There will be no changes to the Service 94 Monday to Friday.

2. The Service A will experience revised Monday to Friday and Saturday timetables with journeys operating up to every 15 minutes during the peak daytime period