01/02/2021 - Permalink

Free shuttle service to help residents to Ludlow COVID-19 vaccination centre

Related topics: Community / Coronavirus / Health

Update note: By June 2021 this free shuttle service was discontinued.

Shropshire Council are launching a free shuttle bus service in Ludlow to transport residents to the COVID-19 vaccination centre at Ludlow Racecourse. The service will begin on Tuesday 2 February 2021.

The service will be operated by Minsterley Motors, who are changing their Ludlow Park & Ride service 722 to provide the free regular shuttle service.

Shuttle buses will be available every 15 minutes starting from the Park & Ride, onto the main bus stop in Corve Street, down to the vaccination centre at the Ludlow Racecourse. This is a circular route so people can get the shuttle back to their vehicles.

Upon arrival at Ludlow Racecourse, marshals will be on hand to escort people to get their vaccines.

People with COVID-19 vaccination appointments can use this service from 8am – 8pm Mondays to Saturdays.

Over the coming weeks the service may alter as the main demand points become clearer. This should not impact people’s ability to use the service.

COVID-19-secure measures will be in place in all buses to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“I’m thrilled that a vaccination centre is opening in Ludlow and that we are able to provide such an incredibly important free shuttle service to people who have vaccination appointments.

“The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is imperative to fighting the virus and getting life back to ‘normal’. To aid the success of the programme, we need to ensure our residents who have been invited for a vaccine can attend their appointment.

“I’d like to thank Minsterley Motors for working with us to provide this service.”

Lee Jones of Minsterley Motors, said:

“Minsterley Motors are happy to provide a regular socially-distanced shuttle to and from Ludlow Racecourse, free of charge, for people with COVID-19 vaccination appointments, in partnership with Shropshire Council from Tuesday.”

Due to the 722 service being changed, the 701 service will be altered to include parts of Ludlow town service currently served by the 722. This service will be hourly. More details on the timetable will be available on the Minsterley Motors Facebook page or on the buses. For information about the vaccination centre contact Shropshire Council.

The shuttle service follows the successful launch of the free transport offer which is for bespoke transport for vulnerable individuals to various vaccinations locations who, without transport assistance, would not have been able to attend their appointment.

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:

  • Stay At Home
  • Work from home, if you can
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
  • Wear a face covering in indoor settings (food shops, workplaces) where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble.
  • Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 10 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028  – option 0 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.