NEW operators are to take charge of the bus that serves Wharfedale Hospital.

The 965 Otley to Weston Circular's daytime services have been run by First Leeds for years - with Keighley Bus Company in charge in the evenings.

Now First has announced that it will end its involvement in October, after which the Keighley Bus Company and Connexions will take over.

Head of External Relations for First UK Bus (Yorkshire & Greater Manchester), Brandon Jones, announced the change in a message to local councillors.

He said: "We’re reviewing bus services that operate through North West Leeds to introduce improvements for customers from October 23.

"We’ve looked at connected services as part of this review and examined whether some links could be provided in a better way - such links include the 965 Circular that connects Otley with Wharfedale Hospital.

"The daytime journeys are currently operated by us with double deck buses that are also used on the X84 Leeds-Otley route.

"Through this review process we’ve had discussions with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and can confirm that the 965 service will no longer be operated by First West Yorkshire from October 23.

"The 965 service has now been registered by both the Keighley Bus Company and Connexions Buses who provide smaller, more suitable vehicles for such routes with services that fit into a local town network.

"This means there will be no break in service and customers will be able to make the same connections they make now."

Mr Jones, who spoke at last week's Otley Town Council meeting, added: "We’re sorry to say goodbye to our customers on the 965 and we thank them for their custom over the years.

"We look forward to announcing improvements on our other services in North West Leeds shortly."

First was widely criticised in 2014 for stopping peak-time journeys to the hospital itself, which resulted in patients having to walk up the long driveway to the building from the nearest bus stop.

The company reinstated a once-an-hour daytime bus service to the hospital a few months later, following pressure from passengers and the town council.

Responding to the news about the change of operators, Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "My view is in the end we could wait no longer for First to make the changes needed to provide a better service.

"Both the Keighley Bus Company and Connexions seem intent on making a go of this route so let the 'battle of the buses' commence!

"Hopefully passengers will benefit with a more punctual and reliable service."