Buses Could Make Return To Wrexham High Street

Buses could return to Wrexham’s High Street once more under new council proposals following months of consultation with local traders and organisations.

Wrexham Council’s Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss the plans to reintroduce a town centre bus link back through the area.

Bus services were pulled from the High Street back in 2009 because of congestion issues caused by vans loading and unloading and illegal parking, which made it difficult for drivers to pass and meet their schedule.

However, if the proposals are approved a 19 seater bus would be put on every half hour from Monday to Saturday running via Regent Street, Hope Street, High Street, Queen’s Square and Eagles Meadow.

The service will stop at a number of existing stops and whilst in pedestrianised areas will also operate as a “hail and ride” service with speed restricted to 5 mph.

The cost of providing the new service would be met through funding obtained via the planning process for new town centre developments.

The funding is ring fenced specifically for the purpose of providing and promoting more sustainable means of accessing the town centre.

Cllr Terry Evans, co-chair of the Scrutiny Committee said:

“For some time now traders have called upon the council to re-introduce a bus service to the High Street and I am pleased that officers have come up with proposals for us to consider.

“I look forward to discussing the proposals with my colleagues on the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee and to making recommendations that will be considered by Executive Board.”

Recommendations put forward by the scrutiny committee are scheduled to go before Executive Board on 23 December.

If approval is given it is expected the changes will come into effect in March following further consultation and changes to Road Traffic Orders.

Do you think that the proposed new bus link could provide a boost to traders on the High Street? Lets us know your thoughts in the comment box below.