Council confirm replacement services secured for town link, Ruabon and Rhostyllen communities

Replacement bus services have been secured for several communities across Wrexham which remain affected by the collapse of a local transport company last year.

Wrexham Council yesterday confirmed that alternative providers have now been secured for routes covering the town centre, Ruabon and Rhostyllen.

Last year Wrexham.com reported that Acrefair-based D Jones & Son had announced it was to cease trading after its last service on Saturday 16th December.

The company had 20 buses covering a number of routes across the county borough.

A number of alternative providers have already been secured for a number local communities affected by the company’s sudden closure, however work finding alternative providers for some areas has remained ongoing.

Over the next few weeks a number of alternative replacement services are to be provided.

New Town Centre link services

For those residents affected by the loss of Service 42 and 44, a variation to the existing Town Link 1 and Town Link 2 service, operated by Valentines Coaches, will cover those areas previously served by D Jones and Son.

Subject to the necessary authorisation from the Traffic Commissioner for Wales, this service will begin operation on February 19.

X-5 to serve Ruabon

Wrexham Council say through negotiation with Denbighshire County Council, those residents affected by the cessation of the number 6 Wrexham – Ruabon service will, from March 12, benefit from an alteration to the X5 Corwen-Llangollen-Wrexham service operated by Coastline Taxis.

The X5 will be diverted to areas in Ruabon, including Pont Adam and the estates situated of New Hall Road.

No 5. service will cover Rhostyllen

Finally Wrexham Council say that it’s been made aware that from March 11, the 5 service between Wrexham and Llangollen, operated commercially by Arriva Buses Wales, will make a number of changes – including reverting back to the original route serving Rhostyllen, along with an increase in the number of evening services.

Wrexham Council are advising residents to check the timetables for each of the renewed services, as they will not be like-for-like timetables.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “As a council, we fully acknowledge the important role the bus network plays in affording our residents access to employment, education and essential services.

“For many people, particularly the more vulnerable, the bus is the only form of transport available and acts as an important lifeline.

“The demise of D Jones & Son Ltd has been a very difficult and challenging time for many people and I am extremely pleased with the work that has been done to secure replacement and alternative services to those communities impacted.

“Revised timetables for the service changes above will be published shortly and made available via the Council’s website.

“These will not be like for like timetables previously operated, but will provide a service to these areas.”