Tears over the loss of vital ShropshireLink bus service
Users of a council-run bus service due to be axed in Shropshire in the autumn today said it was a lifeline which had made a huge difference to people's lives.
One passenger on the ShropshireLink revealed how they had burst into tears when they heard it was to cease operating.
And they praised the drivers who often help passengers get on and off the buses and with their shopping.
The ShropshireLink buses will "cease to operate" in the county on October 5, with Shropshire Council citing low passenger numbers and the cost of subsidising the routes around the county. Bosses are, however, trying to find an alternative to replace the service.
Eve and Bruce Marks, both 76, from Levi Court, Ellesmere, have been regular passengers for almost five years.
Mr Marks, who uses a wheelchair, said it was very difficult for him to use public transport, whereas the ShropshireLink buses were equipped with wheelchair anchor points.
He said: "This is much better for me. On the ordinary service bus we haven't got locking points so I have to make sure that I'm holding on to something, but here the drivers are very, very good.
"I'm surprised they're going to take this off. I know there's cutbacks but it's really an important service to the community.
"I can't speak highly enough of the drivers. They are very good, excellent. I honestly can't believe it's coming to an end."
Mrs Marks said she was in tears when she heard the news.
"When the driver came to tell us I burst into tears," she said. "I was absolutely devastated. It's made such a difference to our lives.
"If we have to go to the Arriva bus stop in Ellesmere, it's okay getting there, but by the time you've done your shopping you're worn out and it really is very difficult to get home.
"In the winter time I don't think ShropshireLink missed one service, even in all the bad weather.
"With all the shopping it also takes us to the hospital and we can sort all our appointments and so on out on the two days the bus comes to us."
Bus drivers on the ShropshireLink service regularly help passengers with their shopping bags and make sure wheelchairs are secure before driving off.
Nick Evans, from Shrewsbury, has worked as a driver in the Oswestry area for five years, but he and up to 20 more bus drivers and office staff have been told their contracts will be terminated at the end of November.
"It will be very sad when the service closes," he said. "We can have about 360 passengers a month and we do have a lot of regulars.
"We know all their names, where they like to do their shopping, where they like to be collected from and dropped off, and if they need any extra help with anything.
"I can't believe they're thinking of shutting the service down, but I suppose it all comes down to money, and they're trying to find ways of saving money."
Shropshire Council bosses have said the average cost to subsidise a trip for each passenger was over £19 and more than £2,000 daily. But they said they are working to find an alternative to partly replace the service.
Hundreds of letters have been sent out to registered users of the service so they can give their views on the future of transport services in rural Shropshire.
Councillor Peter Adams, deputy cabinet member for transport, said: "All registered users of the service are being contacted by post in order to give them the chance to feedback on the range of options that are being considered for future rural transport services.
