A PILOT bus service is being launched in Neston after residents expressed concerns about public transport.
Neston Town Council has joined forces with Cheshire West and Chester Council to fund the experimental scheme for residents in the town in light of recent concerns about the public transport connections.
The new service, linking parts of the town that are not currently served, has been created to complement the existing bus services.
The Neston Connect minibus service will be operated by GHA Coaches with a small, low-floor accessible bus, and will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The service will link Breezehill Road, Bendee Avenue, Stonebank Drive, Ness and Burton with Neston town centre, with other journeys to Earle Drive and The Priory.
A trial of the service will be evaluated and reviewed in the autumn.
Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “I am pleased that Neston residents will have the benefit of both these services, which are a result of working together and focusing on the needs of the local community.
“The bus service and the car scheme combine to help ensure that residents can access their local services and facilities, supporting the vibrancy of this town.”
Neston Town Council mayor Cllr Pat Hughes has welcomed the new scheme, and said he hopes it will become a ‘valuable asset’.
“Neston Town Council welcomes the new Neston Connect service which has been introduced in response to requests made consequent to the rerouting of the 272 service,” he said.
“It is hoped that the level of usage will be such as to allow us to perhaps expand the service and would urge residents to consider the bus as a viable alternative to the car for local journeys.
“Good support is essential to maintaining this service.”
Further details of the Neston Connect service can be obtained by calling Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.
