Shropshire Council in talks with Powys over X75 bus route

Shropshire Council are in discussions with Powys County Council over funding proposals for the X75 bus route from Rhayader to Shrewsbury. 

Currently, the X75 bus route stops in Ford, Wattlesborough and Halfway House, but the service to residents of these villages is set to stop in December 2016. With the prospect of stops in Shropshire being removed, officers from Shropshire Council have held talks with Powys County Council to seek a resolution to the matter.

Shropshire Council is very conscious of the potential impact on local residents should the X75 not pick up passengers, and are working hard to resolve this.

Shropshire Council have now put forward a funding proposal to Powys County Council and are awaiting a response.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transportation, said:

“The main concern for us is Shropshire residents and ensuring they have the means to get around, and access to the X75 bus service is crucial for some. It is highly important to us that we don’t allow Shropshire residents to become isolated. 

“Officers are working hard to ensure we arrive at a resolution with Powys County Council that will benefit Shropshire residents in the long term, and we are hopeful that we will.” 

Officers are working on contingency plans to provide this essential bus journey for local residents, should the council’s proposals not be accepted.

Shropshire Council are hopeful that this will be resolved shortly and we will be able to update residents accordingly.