A bus service used to transport football fans to a Shropshire stadium on matchdays is to be axed for the new season because it costs too much to operate.

The Oxon Park & Ride bus used by some Shrewsbury Town supporters to get to games at the Prostar Stadium was subsidised by the club.

Today Keith Sayfritz, vice-chairman of Shrewsbury Town, said the decision was made by the club on cost grounds and supported by the liaison group, which includes supporters and councillors.

The club said the service should be cut because it was costing too much and the group unanimously approved the recommendation.

Mr Sayfritz said out of the three park and ride sites which ferry fans to the ground – Shirehall, Harlescott and Oxon – Oxon was the least used.

He said: “It was costing the club, in our belief, an unacceptable amount of money.

“That recommendation was discussed at the liaison group because the club can’t amend the travel plan on its own.

“The club recommended terminating the Oxon service and eliminating the midweek bus service from the town centre and it was agreed unanimously by all members of the liaison group.”

Mr Sayfritz said the club “regrets” having to make the decision, but said signs around the town would direct people to the Shirehall park and ride service and it would be looked at again for major games.

Town fan Martin Evans said the move would upset season ticket holders who rely on the service.

He said: “Eighty people regularly use this facility and the majority are season ticket holders who have committed to the season ticket before this announcement.”

Town’s travel plans came into operation for the 2007/ 08 season and focuses on ways to get people to the new ground as quickly and easily and possible.

Other elements which it focuses on includes looking at where they can park on matchdays.

By Tom Johannsen