Shrewsbury bus cutbacks campaign takes to streets

Members of Shrewsbury's passenger group, Bus Users Shropshire, were joined by local councillors Pam Moseley, Ted Clarke and Vernon Bushell, as they stepped up the opposition to the proposed cuts, which are due to come into force on March 29.

Councillor Moseley, who represents Monkmoor, said people had been dismayed at the prospect of losing the services.

She said: "Passengers arriving in town by bus gave us the same message that I have been receiving from my constituents – they are dismayed at the thought of no Sunday buses.

"In my post bag, I've heard from a 13-year-old girl who brings her younger brother into town by bus, and also from a couple in their 80s and 90s who have told me how very much they will miss coming to the town on Sundays.

"The loss of this service will affect people of all ages, and from all over Shrewsbury, who use the buses for shopping, work, leisure and to travel to the hospital."

Bus Users Shropshire chair Peter Gilbert warned that the cutbacks would have an impact on both locals and tourists.

He said: "Each passenger has their own unique story of how the planned cuts will impact on their lives. It is a disgrace that the council cabinet appears to so undervalue the importance of people's mobility."

The routes being axed include the number 1 from Gains Park to Telford Estate, the 8A from Shrewsbury to Shrewsbury Business Park, the 20 from Shrewsbury to Radbrook Green, the 24 Shrewsbury to Harlescott Tesco (via Moston Road), the 25 from Shrewsbury to Harlescott Tesco (via Sultan Road) and the 27 from Shrewsbury to Bayston Hill.

The Sunday routes were cancelled in 2011 before they were re-introduced in 2013.

Shropshire Council has said the routes were only re-introduced on a pilot basis while grant funding was available.