LONG-SUFFERING Pershore commuters have been handed a boost after campaigners secure a major revamp of the town’s bus services.
A package of improvements will come into force on Monday, October 16 on First Midland Red routes following talks between First and the Vale Public Transport Group.
Campaigners have welcomed the changes which will see Saturday services to Pershore/Worcester restored for the Vale villages of Eckington, Defford, Wadborough and Birlingham and off peak weekday morning services improved.
Off peak services from Fladbury to Evesham and Pershore/Worcester will also be revived as part of the revamp.
Services from Pinvin, Wyre and Lower Moor to Evesham off peak will also be restored while an hourly service from Norton and Littleworth throughout most of the day to Worcester and Pershore will come into effect.
The new village buses will complement the existing and popular fast limited stop hourly X50 service linking Worcester, Pershore and Evesham.
With new routes and service numbers, the services will be marketed under the name ‘The Fifties’.
“The changes will offer many new opportunities for shopping and leisure journeys and help reduce the effects of rural isolation felt by many following bus service reductions in County Council budget cutbacks two years ago, “ said campaing group chairman Julian Palfrey.
“It is now vital that local people use their new services to help build the case for further improvements.”
The group is now working closely with First in a major promotional and marketing campaign to publicise the new services with support from Pershore county councillor Liz Tucker.
“My congratulations to the Vale Public Transport Group for the detailed work they have put in to getting these services restored for our villages and particularly the through routes to Evesham and Worcester,” she said.
“It was devastating for local passengers when these were cut last year. Please remember those who rely on the bus to get around and support these new services.”
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