A new bus service, boosting public transport and travel options in Woodhall Spa and Horncastle, has got off to a flier – literally.

For as it hit the road on Monday (July 6), a spectacular launch of the service was held alongside an RAF Lancaster bomber plane, made famous during the Second World War by the Dambusters.

Indeed the bus is named the B617, in recognition of the No. 617 Squadron that carried out the Dambusters raid in 1943 and is closely associated with Woodhall Spa.

The B617, which runs from Mondays to Saturdays, connects Woodhall Spa and Horncastle with Lincoln, Metheringham and Billinghay.

The new B617 bus stands alongside an RAF Lancaster bomber at the service's launch. (PHOTO BY: Lincolnshire County Council)

placeholder image — The new B617 bus stands alongside an RAF Lancaster bomber at the service's launch. (PHOTO BY: Lincolnshire County Council)

It has been created after collaboration between Lincolnshire County Council, local bus company, Brylaine, and local communities.

The service is supported by the council using Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the government’s Department for Transport.

And its route pays tribute to Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage as it passes through the county’s historic heartland.

Coun Natalie Oliver, who represents the ward of Woodhall Spa and Wragby, said: “This is a terrific thing to provide for the community.

Councillors, business people and residents celebrate the spectacular launch of the B617 bus service. (PHOTO BY: Lincolnshire County Council)

"Being at the launch of the bus, with the Lancaster and some of those community-minded residents and business who will directly benefit, is a real plus.

"This bus is a great example of the council listening to the community and working with a local company to put the wheels in motion.

"I hope the service is well used and the uplift along the route is enjoyed by many.”

The B617 introduces a more consistent timetable, giving passengers greater flexibility throughout the day.

Woodhall Spa county councillor Natalie Oliver at the wheels of the new B617 bus. (PHOTO BY: Lincolnshire County Council)

For instance, from Woodhall Spa, there are six journeys a day to Billinghay, five journeys a day to Lincoln and Metheringham and six journeys a day to Horncastle.

The new timetable also improves access to wider destinations. For example, at Woodhall Spa, passengers can connect to the B5 service for Boston, and at Horncastle, they can connect to the IC56 service for Skegness.

Paul Hopkinson, operations manager for Brylaine, said: “Like all things worth having, it’s taken time to bring this service to life. But this is exactly what community collaboration looks like.

"The B617 is about reconnecting communities and making it easier for people to access work, education, healthcare and leisure. We welcome everyone on board.”

Sharron Tonge, of Sweet Emporium in Woodhall Spa, is one of many business owners delighted with the new service. (PHOTO BY: Lincolnshire County Council)

Local businesses say the service will help bring more visitors into the centres of rural towns and villages.

Sharron Tonge, co-owner of Sweet Emporium in Woodhall Spa, said: “The new B617 bus service is a fantastic boost for Woodhall Spa.

"Better transport means more visitors and a chance to shine a light on the place as a tourist destination.”

Coun David East, an executive member for highways at the council, commented: “This new service will be a lifeline for many and will boost connectivity.

"It strengthens the local economy and will help ease parking pressures by reducing the need to drive into our villages and towns.”

Also supporting the new bus service at the launch was Coun Bayleigh Robinson, who said: “It’s fantastic that we’re able to get this new service moving.

"The hard work carried out by officers, councillors and Brylaine in listening to, and delivering on, the wishes of the community with a business model that makes the B617 a reality, has been a real positive.”