A NEW minibus service to help stranded residents has been launched in the East End.

Running anti-clockwise from the Athletes Village in Dalmarnock to the Forge shopping centre, the service is designed to help residents who were previously unable to access buses in the area.

A number of bus stops on Springfield Road had to be moved when the road was closed, leaving many locals having to walk some distance to the nearest stop which some were unable to do.

Glasgow 2014, along with Glasgow City Council and Councillor George Redmond, helped to introduce the minibus service after residents flagged up the need for it at a local engagement meeting with Games staff.

The free service will run seven days a week, from 7am to 10pm until mid August and will be free of charge for all users. Locals will be able to stop the "hail and ride" bus by simply flagging it down wherever they are - there will be no need to go to dedicated bus stops or wait at specific points.

Councillor George Redmond, who helped to set up the service, said it will help to "connect residents with local shops."

He said: "It will run every 20 minutes and everyone can use it for free. Thanks are due to SPT for their quick response for the request of a bus. When I asked them to provide the service, the bus started the following day."

A spokesman for Glasgow 2014 said: "Following positive discussions with residents within the Springfield Road area of Dalmarnock, a dedicated accessible shuttle bus is now operating in the area from 7am until 10.00pm daily on a 'hail and ride' basis to help people move around."

The vehicle, provided by SPT, is being funded by Glasgow 2014 and Glasgow City Council.