A new bus service has launched today for passengers living in areas that were negatively affected by wider changes on Arriva's bus network.

The new 9 service will run hourly between Watford town centre and Leavesden Park via North Watford, including The Harebreaks and Leggatts Way.

The route is being operated by Arriva but Hertfordshire County Council is providing financial support.

It has been deemed necessary after Arriva decided to get rid of the section of the 8 service that runs between the town centre and Abbots Langley.

Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors in the North Watford area had raised concerns with the council about the loss of service.

Watford Observer: Lib Dem councillors Stephen Giles-Medhurst, left, and Ian Stotesbury in The Harebreaks. Labour's Asif Khan also raised concerns with the council about loss of service in this area of North Watford. Credit: Watford Lib DemsLib Dem councillors Stephen Giles-Medhurst, left, and Ian Stotesbury in The Harebreaks. Labour's Asif Khan also raised concerns with the council about loss of service in this area of North Watford. Credit: Watford Lib Dems

Matthew Lale, passenger transport manager at the county council, said: "The recast of Arriva’s commercial service network in Watford would have meant that some areas of the town would not be served or have a reduced level of service from mid-April. These are mainly Leggatts Way, The Harebreaks and Leavesden Park near Abbots Langley.

"We are pleased to advise that Arriva, with financial support from Hertfordshire County Council, has launched today a new route which will run from Watford town centre via The Harebreaks and Leggatts Way areas to Leavesden Park on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays."

Watford Observer: Labour councillor Asif Khan speaking to an Arriva bus driver in The Harebreaks. Credit: Watford Labour Labour councillor Asif Khan speaking to an Arriva bus driver in The Harebreaks. Credit: Watford Labour

Arriva axed some of its services and changed or extended the routes of others in the Watford, Three Rivers, and Hemel Hempstead area with changes coming into force from Sunday (April 17).

Arriva says the changes are in "direct response to reduced passenger demand".

See more: Arriva bus routes in Watford area have been axed or changed - the key details

Watford Observer: The route of Arriva's 321 has been extendedThe route of Arriva's 321 has been extended

Part of the 8 route has been cut while the 320 and 520 services have been completely axed. The 321 has been extended to cover the Rickmansworth area of Three Rivers, while a new 20 service has been introduced to cover the loss of the 320.

More than 700 people have signed a petition accusing Arriva of carving up routes. However, Sam Lambert, who has been using the buses very frequently since 2014, has mostly welcomed Arriva's changes; in particular the new number 9, which does seem to have gone under the radar.

He said: "First of all I had doubts but looking through it all, it looks like this the best solution. I don't think areas have lost out. We've got the new 9 and if that hadn't have been introduced I might have gone to MP's.

"We also have the 10 that now goes to Abbots Langley through Boundary Way so people in Abbots can get the cheaper 10 ticket.

"The 321 is still running every 20 minutes. I'm aware of some teething problems like stops being missed but I guess drivers are getting used to the new routes. On the whole, it is all quite reasonable.

"If Arriva can be reliable, I think it will all be okay."

More details about the new 9 service can be found on the Intalink website.