Leader of Council asks for On Demand bus service to be extended to Redditch

THE LEADER of Redditch Borough Council has written to the councillor for highways and transport to ask for the On Demand Bus service to extend across the town.

The service currently operates in Malvern, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Tenbury Wells, Hartlebury, and Ombersley.

Coun Sharon Harvey has written to Coun Nik Price, saying that the service would provide vital connections from the more rural areas of Redditch which have a very limited or non existent bus service.

She referenced the new estate of Brockhill East, where residents have a 20 minute walk before they reach a bus route, or Feckenham which has a direct bus once a day to Redditch.

She said: “Residents express difficulty accessing several areas of Redditch – for example Abbey Stadium for leisure or swimming lessons or other clubs.

“Abbey Stadium is a destination option for Worcestershire On Demand – but only if you live in an On Demand zone.

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“This means it is easier to get to the Abbey Stadium if you live in Bromsgrove than if you live in Redditch.”

Redditch has the lowest level of car ownership in the county and Coun Harvey said families across the borough miss out on access to local attractions and events when those in neighbouring counties can use the Worcestershire on Demand service to visit places such as Avoncroft Museum or West Midland Safari Park.

She added: “We have award winning attractions within our boundaries, and it would be wonderful to encourage more people to enjoy them.”

She is also concerned about the lack of available bus routes, saying it makes it difficult for people to access shift work.

At £2.50 a journey Worcestershire on Demand is cheaper than a regular Diamond bus ticket.

She added: “I am asking that you explore the possibilities of extending this service into Redditch. We know that the six minibuses operate out of the Diamond depot in our town, and it is frustrating that they are only sent out to the other districts.

“A Redditch trial of Worcestershire on Demand would indicate a need for extra services or bus routes which could inform the public transport policy as a whole.”

Coun Nik Price cabinet Member for highways and transport said he has received the letter from Sharon Harvey, and will work with officers to respond in due course.