Roberts Travel Group says it will no longer be running the 159 bus service from Coalville to Hinckley in the new year due to a lack of funding from Leicestershire County Council.

The Hugglescote-based operator's website says the route will end on February 25.

Opponents to the decision said earlier this year that losing the service would deprive some villages of their only means of public transport.

Roberts Travel Group said: "It is with regret we must inform you that after Saturday, February 25, 2023, the 159 bus route between Coalville and Hinckley will no longer be in service.

"We have been notified by Leicestershire County Council that it is withdrawing the financial subsidy that supports this service.

"Sadly, with no other funding available, this service is no longer financially viable.

"We would like to thank our loyal customers for their use of this service over the years."

The route takes in Marlborough Square in Coalville, Hugglescote, Ellistown, Ibstock, Nailstone, Barlestone, Newbold Verdon and Market Bosworth.

But the threat of the service being withdrawn was made by the County Council in July.

The 159 service between the two towns has been subsidised by Leicestershire County Council with funding of £162,260 a year.

Roberts Travel Group operates the route with buses running hourly at peak times - and 90 minutes off-peak.

Leicestershire County Council has today issued a response to Coalville Nub News about the decision.

It says that this is a commercial decision taken by the operator, Roberts.

Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The stark reality of the financial situation facing councils is that we're not able to step in and subsidise all commercial services, which like this service often require subsidies in excess of £160,000 a year.

"Unfortunately patronage on this service wasn't sufficient to make it financially viable for the operator.

"Most villages on the route will have access to other buses services but from February, we will be taking action to support residents who are not close to an alternative service and putting a flexible, bookable, demand responsive transport service in place to make sure people can make important journeys.

"We've worked with our MPs to set out the tough choices ahead and how losing out on Government cash to bolster our bus network has hampered efforts to support the industry.

"This has secured a meeting with the Chancellor in the New Year where we'll be raising the importance of a better, more sustainable funding deal from Government for buses and other vital services."

The council adds that its funding for the 159 route equates to £532 a day, and says the level of subsidy has increased significantly during this year.

But the announcement about the 159 route has already brought a number of angry comments on social media, with some wanting to fight the decision.

One Facebook user said: "How are children suppose to get to college? There is no other bus that runs there from Newbold Verdon."

Another added: "Absolutely disgusting! Even less options for our young people with regards to education and work!"

While another had a warning for both towns connected by the route: "Hinckley will lose out financially and so will Coalville."

But the council adds it is planning to bring in 'demand responsive' transport service for people who live more than 800metres away from an alternative bus service:

• Stapleton & Woodland Nursery to Barwell - three return journeys per week.

• Cadeby to Market Bosworth - two return journeys per week.

• Junction of A447 & B582 to Ibstock - one return journey per week.

• Hugglescote to Coalville - two return journeys per week.

The County Council says it will provide more details in the New Year about the services.