Anger as shoppers hit by delays at Shrewsbury park and ride
Shoppers endured long delays and large crowds after Shrewsbury's park and ride system failed to keep up with demand on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Many took to Facebook to criticise Shrewsbury's park and ride claiming more than 100 people were waiting at the car park at Meole Brace – while the situation at Oxon was not much better.
It happened on Saturday – the same day the first ever Christmas Festival in the Quarry welcomed about 5,000 through its gates. Those who attended the event took to its Facebook page, Shrewsbury Christmas Festival, to complain about the delays.
Sandra Lewis said: "Hope it went well for everyone. Had bought tickets but gave up trying to get into Shrewsbury. Saw the amount of people trying to get on the park and ride at Meole Brace and thought it might be quicker at Oxon so went there. Not much different there.
"After 10 mins a bus came and left full to capacity. I was then told the park and ride buses only run every 20 mins and as it was looking doubtful we would even get on the next one we decided waiting in the cold for probably 40 mins was too long so we decided to drive into town."
Ms Lewis eventually found a parking space but did not have any change so gave up and didn't end up attending,
She added: "The organisers of the park and ride system let you all down. So many people wanting to get into the town and not enough buses especially on a day like today."
Dave Gregory took to Twitter to vent his frustration to Shropshire Council. He tweeted:
On Saturday Gaynor Morris posted on Facebook: "We've been trying to get there since noon when we arrived at Meole Brace park and ride. Avoid like the plague. One hour wait in the cold and rain with one bus arriving and 100-odd people waiting queued across the car park."
"Many people just got back in their cars and went. Bus left finally at 13.00.
"Joke when the Christmas Festival is on. I tried to phone Arriva but the office is closed. Predictably. Town council should be irate at the public transport arranged. I am never ever using park and ride again."
Shropshire Council cabinet member for transport Simon Jones was not available for comment.
