A NEW bookable bus service, which would better connect residents in and around Pershore, could become a reality with financial support from the public.
The northern village connector is the brainchild of Bishampton and Throckmorton Parish Council. The service would run through Pershore and stop at nine villages to the north of the town.
Project organisers need £82,856 to make the idea a reality and are currently crowdfunding for the money as part of Wychavon’s Ticket to Ride Fund. The fund supports community-led transport projects that better connect communities, reduce social isolation and encourage more active forms of travel.
Wychavon has already pledged more than £33,000 to the northern village connector service and £10,000 has been given by Worcestershire County Council. The remaining £43,000 must come from the public and local organisations.
People and businesses can pledge as little as £2 to the project through the Spacehive crowdfunding platform. Fund-raisers have until March to hit their target.
Coun Charles Tucker, project lead for Bishampton and Throckmorton Parish Council, said: “The bus service will open Pershore up to residents of the northern villages. Hairdressers, restaurants, shops, local businesses within the market, and Number 8 will all be within reach.
“We are asking local businesses to pledge as much as they can spare during these difficult times to help raise £43k by March 2023 to secure the rest of the funding needed for this service.”
Karon Swinburn, CEO of Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre, said: “If successful in fundraising for the project, The Volunteer Centre will be taking on the management of the new bus. The bus will belong to the community and we will be recruiting and training the drivers for this particular service. It will be demand-led and passengers will be able to book their journey.”
Coun Rob Adams, executive board member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport on Wychavon District Council, said: “This is a much-needed service and we’re delighted to be able to support this project. I hope businesses and the public will get behind the campaign and pledge what they can.”
To donate or for more information visit www.spacehive.com/pershore-and-northerly-villages-ticket-to-ride.
