VILLAGERS are celebrating being “liberated” after their bus route to the city centre was upgraded to run all week.

The number 78 Brighton and Hove Buses service now travels into Stanmer Park and Stanmer Village daily, making it easier for people who live and work there to use public transport.

Stanmer Park commuters called for a weekday peak time service so they could get to work and study in the area. A new off-peak Monday to Friday service – which helps residents and visitors get around – has also been introduced thanks to additional transport funding.

Kathy Biggle, 49, who has lived in Stanmer Village with her husband for two years, welcomed the news, saying the villagers had been “liberated”.

She said: “Before it was only a weekend service and it takes a good 20 minutes to walk from the village down to the entrance of Stanmer Park where a more regular bus route passes.

“It’s really nice this extra service has been brought in – the previous service did limit everyone a bit.

“If you drive you then need to find somewhere to park in the city centre. If I worked in Brighton I would take it to work as well but I use it for leisure.

“It’s particularly good for elderly people in the village who cannot drive. And I think it is proving popular with visitors to Stanmer Park too.”

The service continues to run hourly at the weekends and bank holidays.

The route is one of the Breeze up to the Downs bus services which are funded and managed by Brighton and Hove City Council, with contributions from The National Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority.

It begins at the Old Steine in Brighton, and stops at the Clock Town in Queen’s Road, Brighton station, St Peter’s Church, Oxford Street, and Lewes Road.

It stops on its way through Stanmer Park up to Stanmer Village, where the final stop is by the farm buildings opposite the church. Martin Harris, managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said: “We are delighted that working in partnership with the council we have been able deliver an improved service on the 78.”

Bus passengers get discounts on refreshments at Stanmer Tea Rooms and Stanmer House when showing their bus ticket.

Leaflets with full details of getting to Stanmer Park and Devil’s Dyke by bus can be found at brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses. Or call 01273 292480 for a printed copy.