New local bus contracts include direct route to HMP Berwyn

A number of new bus contracts have been awarded in Wrexham including one to take passengers to the largest prison in the UK.

A new hourly service will be operated on Sundays and bank holidays between Wrexham General train station and HMP Berwyn, which is based on the town’s industrial estate.

The contract, which has been given to Staffordshire-based D&G Bus, is worth £40,000 and has been funded by money provided through planning obligations.

A series of routes taken on by Wrexham and Prestige Taxis in the wake of the collapse of GHA Coaches have also been renewed following a tendering exercise.

They include the 42F service to Rhos y Madoc and 45F to Bettisfield, as well as the 17 to Lodge and 34 to Trevalyn.

Cllr David A Bithell, Wrexham Council’s lead member for environment and transport, said: “I’m pleased to note that these services were re-tendered and awarded.

“A new service, providing an hourly service between Wrexham General to HMP Berwyn on Sundays and Bank Holidays, and funded by a Section 106 agreement, has been awarded to D&G Bus.

“This is expected to begin operating early next month.”

Bus services in the county borough have recently come under the spotlight after a company had its passenger transport licence revoked.

The Traffic Commissioner for Wales was highly critical of the Skiers Lodge Ltd (TSL), which ran four routes in Wrexham under the name of easyCoach for a short spell last year.

Issues highlighted by Nick Jones included a wheel falling off one of the firm’s buses on the A483 dual carriageway in July.

Concerns have also been raised by a  councillor about a separate contract the company has to manage the public information office at Wrexham Bus Station.

Meanwhile, Arriva has decided to either change or drop a number of services across the borough.

All 52 members of Wrexham Council were recently invited to a workshop to try to thrash out solutions to bus services leaving the area.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).