Bus fleets boost as Shropshire groups win cash aid
Four local bus groups will be buying new vehicles after gaining a share of a £25 million government grant.
New minibuses have been secured by groups in Bridgnorth, Church Stretton and Bishop's Castle.
The Friendly Transport (Shropshire) Limited; Strettons Mayfair Trust, the operators of Church Stretton area ring and ride; Bridgnorth Community Transport Group and Bishop's Castle and District Community Transport Ltd were all successful.
Madge Shineton, chairman of the management group in Bridgnorth, said the new bus would expand the fleet to four but it meant the group urgently needed more volunteer drivers.
She said: "We are really excited about the grant money but we are waiting to hear how much we have won and when it will be delivered.
"The Government put the money out there and although we are a small operation we put our case forward and were delighted to have been accepted.
"I believe the fact we have taken over routes once run by the now defunct Shropshire Link worked our favour.
"One of our major aims to provide some form of public transport where is none."
Mrs Shineton said it was vital volunteer drivers came forward so all four of the group's buses could be operated to their full capacity.
She said: "Our drivers all have to be trained but we provide all that.
"It can put some people off but once they start driving they take people on day trips, as well as the usual routes and really enjoy the work.
"We're hoping after the next management committee meeting on April 16 we will have more of an idea about how to access the money and how much we will receive.
"We are getting a brand new minibus so it should be a substantial amount because we all know how expensive they are."
Ludlow Conservative candidate Philip Dunne congratulated the four community transport groups on securing new minibuses.
He said: "I am delighted these four local groups in the Ludlow constituency will receive a new minibus. This will help support their excellent work across south Shropshire.
"I encouraged community bus groups to apply for this funding back in November so I am delighted these four community schemes took forward my suggestion and have been successful in their applications."
