MAJOR improvements are to take place to bus services across the county after an extra £1million was made available to target rural links.

Lancashire County Council has awarded contracts for new services due to start in December with more due to begin in February.

Council bosses said key priorities are to restore lost links between communities, particularly in rural areas where people who don't drive or own a car.

The council's administration has agreed to make an extra £1m available to support bus services, increasing the budget to £3m.

Key improvements to services starting on Monday, December 11, will include a new network of Pendleside Link services to restore rural village links and increase the number of buses across the Ribble Valley, Burnley and Pendle.

This new network of bus services 64/65/66/67 will offer an improved service for Sabden, restoring the direct link to Burnley and improve the frequency between Clitheroe, Barley and Nelson.

A new route will also serve Burnley Sycamore Avenue linking through to the Health Centre at Rosegrove.

These services will be operated by Boomerang Travel.

County Cllr Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "A good public transport network is vital to support our economy, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access work and education.

"It also plays a vital role in helping people to carry out everyday tasks such as doing their shopping, visiting family and friends, and getting to health appointments.

"We've worked hard to make sure these proposals make the most impact."

A number of further improvements to buses are due to start in February 2018.

Revisions include adjusting the 'circular' routes serving areas of Burnley and Pendle 9, 14, 15/15A to serve a wider area and increase the number of buses.

There will be improvements to the 95 service between Colne and Burnley, combining with a new Service 95A to increase frequency of journeys and restore links to parts of Brierfield.

These services are to be run by Holmeswood Coaches until February, with the operator beyond this to be confirmed.

You can find full details by searching 'bus improvements' at www.lancashire.gov.uk.