Charity attacks 'disgusting' axing of Sunday bus services in Shrewsbury

Shropshire Seniors says the decision is "especially disgusting" after it was revealed that Shropshire Council has more than £126 million held in bank accounts.

The charity - a county-wide organisation dedicated to alleviating loneliness and social isolation – describes the move to cut bus services on March 29 as "appalling, heartless and ill-conceived".

• The number 1 from Gains Park to Telford

• The 8A from Shrewsbury to Shrewsbury Business Park

• The 20 from Shrewsbury to Radbrook Green

• The 24 from Shrewsbury to Harlescott Tesco (via Moston Road)

• The 25 from Shrewsbury to Harlescott Tesco (via Sultan Road)

• The 27 to Bayston Hill

The services will run for the last time on March 29 as officials at Shirehall have said there is no more funding to run them.

"This is another appalling move which appears to take no account of those people who rely so heavily on public transport," said Ann Wilde, chairman of trustees for Shropshire Seniors.

"Once again it's the elderly and the vulnerable who are going to suffer from this. We believe cutting services in this way is heartless and ill-conceived."

The charity adds its voice to that of the campaign group Bus Users Shropshire, which fought the move to axe six routes in the town on Sundays.

The services cost Shropshire Council £44,620 a year in subsidies.

"And then we hear that Shropshire Council has all this money in reserves – more than £126 million," said Mrs Wilde. "Something's very wrong somewhere.

"Cutting these bus services when they have that kind of money in reserve makes it especially disgusting."

Council leaders have defended the size of their cash reserves, insisting their finance teams had to ensure there were adequate funds available to meet its "cash liabilities" to ensure "effective service delivery" to residents.

Mrs Wilde added: "We cannot help but agree with Bus Users Shropshire that this will punish those who rely on buses for getting to shops, church, visiting relatives and friends. It's a sad and shocking decision."

Members of Shrewsbury's passenger group, Bus Users Shropshire, have joined councillors in raising the issue on the streets with passengers.

The group- claims the cuts will hit both business and tourism.

• Visit Shropshire Seniors

• Visit Bus Users Shropshire