Future of shuttle service secured

Tourists and local people will get the chance to take to the south Shropshire hills this summer, as the future of a popular bus service has been secured by Shropshire County Council.

The Shropshire Hills Shuttle bus service will initially start over the Easter weekend from Saturday 22 until Monday 24 March. However the normal service will resume on Saturday 3 May until Sunday 28 September including weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays, giving people the chance to explore the hills by bus, rather than having to rely on their cars.

The shuttle buses have been a popular attraction in south Shropshire for over ten years; however the funding which paid for the running costs of the service changed at the end of 2007.

To keep this popular service running the County Council, alongside partner organisations, has decided to continue to fund it.

John Everall, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “We are delighted to say that the Shropshire Hills Shuttles will be running again throughout the summer.

“The buses travel over the Long Mynd and Stiperstones, also serving Craven Arms, Clun, Bishop’s Castle and Bridges, and are a great way to explore the areas walks, attractions and country pubs.

“The shuttles have been running for a number of years, but 2008 marks the first year that they are being funded through the County Council’s core transport budget. The shuttles are also wheelchair accessible, and concessionary fare passes will be valid on all the services.”

21 February 2008