New bus service could connect Market Drayton with Whitchurch and Wellington next year - councillor
A councillor has revealed ambitions to introduce a new bus service next year that will connect Whitchurch, Market Drayton and Wellington.
Shropshire Council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for transport, Ian Nellins, has revealed his aspirations for a new bus service that would run between Whitchurch and Market Drayton and then become a separatservice that will connect Market Drayton with Wellington.
The councillor said this would be one bus along the whole route.
Mr Nellins is keen to provide residents with improved access to hospitals, in particular the Princess Royal Hospital, and train stations in Whitchurch and Wellington.
The proposal comes after the number 64 bus route between Shrewsbury, Market Drayton and Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent saw a 23 per cent increase in passengers during October this year compared to the same month last year.
“We are pretty positive about our plans to have a new bus service, on the back of improvements to the 64 service,” said Councillor Nellins.
“We are positive that by April next year, if there is enough support from residents, we could have a 34 service that will be from Whitchurch to Market Drayton which turns into a 340 service from Market Drayton to Wellington.
“It opens up a lot and could be the difference between people thinking 'I am going to live in Market Drayton'.
“We want to get people to railway stations. This service would provide the north-east of the county with a service that brings you down the east to Telford that does not exist at the moment.”
Tim Manton, a Market Drayton town councillor and chairman of the town council's services and facilities committee, agreed it would be important: “I cannot emphasise how big it is.”
Mr Nellins said the new route would offer alternative options for residents who commute to Shrewsbury to use train services.
Although a date is not set in stone and plans are being formed, the councillor is hopeful for the service to be introduced as soon as possible.
He added: “During my time as a councillor it has been something that people have wanted.
“It will be good to connect Whitchurch with Market Drayton, they have the minor injuries unit, a train station, and so does Wellington, as well as the hospital on route.
“Wellington is the area of the college [Telford College] as well and fits a lot in for the residents.
“We are still working on the plans to do it, but I am confident that we can get it sorted in early next year.”
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