'Pragmatic' Shropshire bus shake-up will create new opportunities for towns says mayor
"It is also very positive to see a focus on more consistent, regular and practical services”
The Mayor of Ellesmere has welcomed changes to bus services in and around the town - which he says will maintain strong links.
The 201 and 208 services in Wem and Ellesmere respectively will be withdrawn from September due to low frequency.
However, they will be replaced with a new service that will run six days a week compared to the three to four days that the current services operate.
The new 508 bus - which will be operated by Lakeside Coaches - will start running from September 1 and will provide access to Wem railway station and other essential services.
Councillor Pete Jones, the Mayor of Ellesmere, said the new connection will open up greater opportunities in both directions.
"It is also very positive to see a focus on more consistent, regular and practical services, with daily journeys that better reflect how people travel for work, education and leisure," he said.
"These improvements are vital if public transport is to remain a realistic and reliable option in our rural communities.
"I would like to place on record my thanks to Shropshire Council and its bus and coach partners for their pragmatic and creative approach in what is clearly a challenging financial climate.
"By prioritising core routes and strengthening key connections, they have delivered in my view a balanced and forward-looking plan.
"Finally, I would encourage residents of Wem and Ellesmere to make full use of these new services, as their success will be key to securing the long-term future of our local bus transport network."
The clerk and Mayor of Wem recently attended a presentation from Shropshire Council that highlighted the changes.
"The frequency of this service is not currently known but it will service the same bus stops that the current town bus service uses," reads a report ahead of a Wem Town Council meeting on Thursday (June 25).
"Strong representation was made at the meeting to expand the route of this service in Wem to incorporate the newer estates and to utilise New Street so the doctors and pharmacy can be accessed by public transport.
"This will be looked at but will not be in place by September when the new service will start."
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