Rural areas in south of the borough to get Saturday buses reinstated

Cheshire East Council has stepped in to reinstate Saturday bus services connecting a number of rural areas with their nearest town.

The council and its transport company Transport Service Solutions have reached an agreement with D&G Buses to bring back services for a number of outlying villages so that residents can travel to Nantwich on Saturdays, particularly for essential shopping and work.

The villages and routes to be served will include Wrenbury, Audlem, Aston and Bunbury. The 70 and 72 services, to and from Nantwich bus station, will operate every 90 minutes from 9am to 4.30pm, with the last service leaving Hankelow at 5.16pm

Councillor Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and cabinet member with responsibility for strategic transport, said: “We have listened to representations made by local communities and ward members and have taken these steps to reintroduce these services.

“With a new national lockdown upon us, it is vital that our residents living in these rural communities do not feel isolated and can carry on with essential shopping and other activities that they can only do on Saturdays.

“I can only repeat that it is essential for central government to provide an enhanced level of financial assistance to local authorities, in recognition of the additional responsibilities and emergency measures we are taking to protect and support our residents during this pandemic.”

The council is reminding residents that it is essential to wear a face covering when travelling on public transport, to wash hands regularly and maintain social distancing.

Pictured - Councillor Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for strategic transport.