Calls for axed bus route to be reinstated

Residents in two north Shropshire villages who were left cut off when part of an Arriva bus route was axed last year are now appealing to company bosses to reinstate their service.

Changes to the 513 service from Shrewsbury to Whitchurch, which came into force in September, mean it no longer picks up from Grinshill or Sansaw Heath.

It has left residents with a long walk to the A49 to catch the bus, which local councillors say is too dangerous.

Today Shropshire councillor Chris Mellings said that as Arriva was looking to carry out a six-month review of the service they were appealing to them to meet with local residents for them to have their say.

He said: "Previously it was a two-hour service from Shrewsbury to Whitchurch and would call at Grinshill and Sansaw. From September it cut out the Grinshill and Sansaw road.

"It is an hourly service now so some parts get a better service but Grinshill has missed out."

He said that the nearest place to catch the bus now was the A49 but he said there were no pavements and the A49 was not a very safe place to access the service. He added that there was also no consultation on the changes.

He said they had since heard back from Arriva bosses who claimed the new service had seen an increase of 30 per cent but they would still be carrying out a six-month review.

Councillor Mellings added: "As part of that we want to get everyone around the table and ask if changes can be made so Grinshill will get a service as a result."

He is now calling for a meeting between Grinshill Parish Council, Shropshire Council and Arriva Buses.