Community transport to replace Shropshire bus service

It has been confirmed that community transport will replace an axed bus in Shropshire.

From next month, the 745 service that operates between Pontesbury, Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Craven Arms and Ludlow will no longer be provided.

Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Shropshire Star’s free newsletter

The service currently operates on Mondays and Fridays and has been supported by Shropshire Council since the Covid-19 pandemic using central government revenue funding.

When announcing the decision, Councillor Rob Wilson, Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said the service costs over £60 per passenger per journey.

However, the news did not go down with locals, with Ludlow North Councillor Andy Boddington even quitting the Liberal Democrats as a result.

Clun only has one bus service, with many people telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service that its loss would have a huge impact.

“I use it every Monday and Friday to go to Ludlow to just get out and go shopping,” said Lou Hambley.

“Without that, I don’t know what I’m going to do, I will have to move. I can’t stay in a place where I can’t get out.”

A “save our bus” sign has been placed on the bus shelter off High Street, and a petition has been set up to try and save the service.

“It’s a rural bus, people rely on it,” said Deborah Fox.

“It will have a huge impact if it’s not here and will be isolated.”

Last week, Councillor Ruth Houghton, who represents Bishop’s Castle, said she believed alternative provision was in the pipeline.

“My understanding, at the moment, is that a community transport service, using employed drivers, will be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving Bishop’s Castle at around 9am,” she said.

“Whilst I am not sure of the exact departure and arrival times yet, it is very likely that there will be more time available for passengers in Ludlow.

“Bus passes will be able to be used and the fare cap, currently £3, will apply.”

Now, Councillor Sam Walmsley, who represents Clun, has confirmed that the transport service will be in place, starting from September 2.

He also confirmed the details previously provided by Councillor Houghton.

However, he said there will be no service provided by Minsterley Motors on August 31 during it being a Bank Holiday.