BUS operator K-Line is stepping in to help "marooned" people in Newsome.

A new half-hourly service will be introduced by the operator to replace a route axed by rivals First Bus.

The 307 bus from Huddersfield town centre to Newsome will begin on Monday, July 19.

Its launch came ahead of a protest by residents tomorrow at the First Bus offices in Huddersfield.

K-Line spokesman John Whiteing said: "A gap in the market has been created and we have decided to fill it."

Bosses at First Bus scrapped their bus - serving Primrose Hill, Newsome, Blagden Farm and Taylor Hill - in a shake-up last month.

Six hundred people signed a petition in protest.

Mr Whiteing said K-Line's new service would run every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday, between 7am and 6pm.

It would run from Huddersfield Bus Station, past Queensgate Market, then go via Chapel Hill, Newsome Road, Stile Common Road, Cross Lane and Lockwood Scar to Newsome shops.

Mr Whiteing said: "We have completed the paperwork and now have to wait until July 19 before we can start.

"We are certain, from the comments that have been made, that this service is needed and will be used."

People in Newsome say they are angry that First Bus withdrew its service without any consultation.

First Bus commercial director Graham Riley has agreed to meet a 15-strong delegation tomorrow.

Protest organiser Jean Goodison said First Bus had completely underestimated the mood in the community.