A new bus is to take public services out to rural communities without access to one of the county council's One Stop Shops.

The Local Service Board (LSB) bus, which will be staffed by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) customer service advisors, will initially run on a six-month trial basis.

MCC customer access manager Tim Macdermott told the council's Central Monmouthshire Area Committee last Thursday (6th January) that the bus itself had been gifted to the board by Melin Homes.

"It is a Fiat Ducato 13 seater which has its own printer, scanner, mobile phone and power supply," said Mr Macdermott.

"Three seats have been taken out of the back to make it wheelchair accessible but they can easily slide back in so it is very flexible.

"Staff have been retrained and will be able to deal with all of the usual One Stop Shop services."

A number of other service providers have already confirmed they will be working with the LSB bus including Tax for Older People, Pension Services and the Financial Inclusion Partnership.

Gwent Police has also shown an interest.

MCC community engagement manager Jenny Lewis told councillors the bus would help the council engage with its citizens.

"It will be a chance for people to tell officers what is going on in their village, as well as for MCC to tell people about services, events and more," she said.

Proposed places for the bus to stop at include Raglan Primary School, the MCC car park in Usk, Trelleck's Babington Centre, Penallt Village Hall, St Tysoi Close in Llansoy and Llanishen Village Hall, although routes are still being worked out.

Internet access, toilet facilities and health and safety requirements are among the things route planners must bear in mind.

Two-hour slots on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are proposed but times, dates and places are yet to be confirmed.

Keep an eye on the Beacon for more details.