Shrewsbury bus services are axed

A number of bus services running between Shrewsbury and Minsterley are to be axed following a review of travel operations in the area. The Friday and Saturday night services on the 552 Arriva route will be cut on January 2.

The service, which is sponsored by Shropshire Council, runs through areas including Copthorne, Radbrook, Hanwood, Pontesbury and Minsterley.

But Arriva is now withdrawing its contract for the route with the council following a review of bus services in the Shrewsbury area.

The 553 bus service running from Shrewsbury to Bishop's Castle on Sunday will continue to operate, but to a revised schedule.

Keith Myatt, spokesman for Arriva Midlands, said they worked closely with Shropshire Council with regular consultation. But it will be the council's decision whether or not to retender the bus service.

Mr Myatt said: "Following a review of operations in the Shrewsbury area Arriva Midlands will no longer operate service 552, a sponsored service running between Shrewsbury and Minsterley, on Friday and Saturday evenings from January 2, 2011."

Shropshire Council is consulting with people about the changes to bus services.

The consultation will be undertaken during January to March 2011 and comments will be considered in the final Bus Strategy which will be submitted to the council in April 2011.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for transport and IT said they regretted the 553 route had stopped. Anyone requiring the times of services should call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.traveline.org.uk

By Sam Pinnington