People on a West Bromwich estate have celebrated the return of a bus service which was axed more than a year ago.

Bus company National Express West Midlands withdrew the 631 that ran through Claypit Lane, Turner Street and Richard Street in Greets Green in January 2008.

Residents, the Greets Green Partnership, West Bromwich Town Committee and Sandwell councillors have campaigned to have their bus service brought back.

Transport authority Centro stepped in with funding and earlier this week Diamond buses launched the 431 service which will link these roads with West Bromwich town centre every hour during the day.

Greets Green and Lyng councillor Gurcharan Sidhu said: “I am extremely pleased that Centro has been able to step in and provide this socially important service.”

Lead member for Sandwell on Centro, Councillor Roger Horton added: “It is now important that people make full use of the service in order to keep it going.” Resident Pauline Robinson said: “I’m delighted that our bus service has returned to the estate.”