ROYSTON First hopes to attract new faces into the town centre with a free lunchtime shuttle bus from Royston s biggest industrial estate. The Business Improvement District company has shelled out �5,500 to fund the service, which will run from the Orchard

ROYSTON First hopes to attract new faces into the town centre with a free lunchtime shuttle bus from Royston's biggest industrial estate.

The Business Improvement District company has shelled out �5,500 to fund the service, which will run from the Orchard Road industrial estate to Baldock Street every 15 minutes on weekdays, from noon-2pm. The service launches next Monday, October 5.

Royston Town Centre manager Geraint Burnell said: "There are several hundred people working on the industrial estate - many of whom never come into the town centre during their lunch hours.

"We are hoping to change that pattern of behaviour by offering a bus service that is fast, frequent, and free.

"In the process of delivering this extra service we are also fulfilling our stated objective of increasing trade for Royston's businesses."

The bus will start at York Way, and stop at Greenfield and Anglian Business Park on Orchard Road before heading directly into town. The journey will take approximately eight minutes.

Initially Royston First is providing the service for the 12 weeks up to Christmas, and if it is popular Mr Burnell hopes it will be extended into next year.

He said: "Royston First is committed to running this service up until Christmas - at which point we will review levels of use and make plans for 2010.

I am grateful to Hertfordshire County Council and Richmond's coaches for their assistance in getting this project launched.