Shrewsbury's Meole Brace park and ride spared — but what happens next?

Meole Brace park and ride will continue operating beyond November after Shropshire Council found enough funding from parking income to extend the service.

The decision reverses plans announced three months ago to withdraw the service from the site, in the south of Shrewsbury, and redirect the money towards other bus routes across the county.

However, the reprieve is only a short-term measure. The council says the extension will provide more time to develop a sustainable future for Shrewsbury’s park and ride network, with both Meole Brace and Oxon’s sites potentially affected by longer-term changes.

Under the original plans, the town’s remaining park and ride sites at Oxon and Harlescott were to receive new evening services and improved facilities, including shelters and real-time information screens.

But the proposed loss of Meole Brace prompted concern from users about congestion in Shrewsbury and the availability of alternative parking. Oxon can fill quickly because its service also runs to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH).

Some passengers said they would instead travel elsewhere to shop and visit. At a meeting at the Beeches pub in Bayston Hill in July, residents told Councillor Rob Wilson, portfolio holder for transport and regeneration, that withdrawing the service would have a significant impact.

Concerns were also raised about inadequate signs directing drivers to Meole Brace and whether the land, which is next to a housing estate, could eventually be redeveloped. Councillor Wilson disputed that suggestion and said the planned withdrawal was based on affordability.

The Labour group brought a motion to full council on Thursday (September 24) asking cabinet to consider pausing the closure. Councillors and members of the public then learned that cabinet had already decided to extend the service after identifying sufficient funding from parking income.

Shropshire Council said residents had made their views clear and councillors had listened. Keeping the service running beyond November will also cover an important period for the local economy.

For the longer term, the authority is considering a larger park and ride facility on council-owned land off Mytton Oak Road in Bowbrook. Developer contributions through the Community Infrastructure Levy could be used to help fund it.

The council also intends to explore opportunities to work with the NHS and RSH. The Oxon site has proved popular with hospital staff, patients and visitors.

It remains uncertain whether passengers from south Shrewsbury would use a Bowbrook facility after becoming accustomed to Meole Brace. For now, the existing service will continue while the council considers its options.