Shropshire bus service loss rumour quashed
Council chiefs have quashed rumours two essential bus services serving people in Shropshire are to be axed to save money.
Bill Cash, MP for Stone, had raised concern that buses running between Market Drayton, Stafford and Hanley were to be cut by Staffordshire County Council as it seeks to save money.
The council has placed a number of its subsidised services under review and it was believed the 436, which runs between Market Drayton and Stafford, and the 164 service between Market Drayton and Hanley, were to be stopped.
However, Bernie Chadwick, network development officer for Staffordshire County Council, confirmed the routes servicing Market Drayton are not under review.Ms Chadwick said: "I can categorically confirm that neither of the Market Drayton bus services are included in the current Stone and surrounding area local bus service transport review. Both services are running well and have good journey numbers so they don't need to be touched."
Resident and civic leaders welcome the news.
Annette Hughes, 74, is a regular user of both services. She said: "These services are a lifeline for people so I am very pleased that they are not under review."
Councillor Roger Hughes, from Market Drayton Town Council,
said: ""This is excellent news. These are vital services and I have been inundated with calls from worried residents."
