Rutland County Council is operating a free replacement minibus service for essential journeys between Oakham and Stamford, following enforced changes to normal bus timetables.

The service is running twice daily, calling at Oakham, Whitwell, Empingham, Tickencote, Great Casterton and Stamford.

From Monday March 30, anyone wanting to travel will be asked to make a telephone booking with a least one day's notice. This is to avoid running empty vehicles, if they are not needed.

The number to call to book a journey is: 01572 758 138, between 9.00am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. Journeys required for Mondays must be booked on the Friday before.

Passengers will be advised as to seating arrangements that are in place on this service to maintain a safe distance between bus users and ensure proper social distancing. As this is a free service, there will also be limited need for passengers to interact with the driver.

A full timetable for the free replacement minibus and details of other changes to local services can be found online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/coronavirus. Alternatively, please call: 01572 758 138 for further details.