A bus service introduced to reconnect Slapton with Dartmouth after the destruction of the A379 will continue “until further notice”, following calls from residents for the vital link to remain beyond the summer.

The 93T service, operated by Country Bus and Tally Ho, was launched in June as a summer-only service, with the original timetable due to run until August 29.

But Country Bus has now confirmed that the service will continue ‘indefinitely’ to support the communities in need.

The announcement comes as welcome news to residents who feared they would once again be left without a direct public transport connection when the summer season ended.

When the service was announced in June, the introduction was widely welcomed by residents and businesses in Slapton.

However, many residents also expressed hope that the service would continue into the autumn and winter months, particularly while the A379 remains impassable following the major storm damage earlier this year.

The 93T links Slapton village with Dartmouth, stopping at Strete, Blackpool Sands and Stoke Fleming.

The current timetable provides four services a day in each direction from Monday to Saturday, with buses running between Slapton and Dartmouth Pontoon.

At the time of the 93T’s launch, Devon County Council said it was helping to fund the service because of the road closure and the need to keep residents, businesses and visitors connected.

The South Hams Gazette has approached Councillor Julian Brazil, Devon County Council’s Leader and local member for Kingsbridge, for confirmation of whether the council will continue to subsidise the service and what funding arrangements are now in place.

The 93T is currently listed by Travel Devon as continuing “until further notice”.