THE extension of a Burgh bus service to a Leith shopping complex is being welcomed as hopefully a first step in re-establishing a direct service to the Capital's Western General Hospital.

On Monday, First bus extended the routes of some of its 129 services to Ocean Terminal in Leith. The route previously ran from Seton Sands and terminated in the Honest Toun.

However, before January the service ran to Silverknowes in Edinburgh, offering a link to the Western General. First partly blamed the scrapping of the service west of Musselburgh on poor passenger numbers.

East Lothian Council has provided some funding for the additional services.

Paul Thomas, managing director for First in Scotland East, said: "We hope the service proves successful and look forward to receiving passenger feedback." Councillor Paul McLennan, East Lothian Council leader, said: "Following feedback from residents, we recognised demand for this service to Ocean Terminal." From Monday to Saturday at peak times there will be one service to Ocean Terminal approximately every hour. A Sunday service will also run between Wallyford park and ride and Ocean Terminal.

Councillor John Caldwell, independent Musselburgh East and Carberry member, was involved in some of the negotiations with First bus. He told the Courier: "This is a welcome extension and we're also hoping to see if the 129 can be further extended back out to the Western General at some stage." Alan Hay, Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council member, was also involved in the discussions. He said: "It's brilliant they're going to Ocean Terminal and we have to congratulate the bus company, but now we have to stand up and say we'll use a bus going to the Western." Pam Angus, Co-ordinator of the Hollies Day Centre in High Street, added: "A lot of our users can't get to Ocean Terminal if they don't have access to a car. We also have a number of people who have had to attend the Western General and it's just a nightmare to get there."