Appeal to keep 'only bus route linking two towns'

Diamond Bus said when it had further clarity on the outcome of discussions, it would update customers as soon as possible (generic Diamond image)

An MP said she has written to urge a bus company to keep running a route it was planning to halt.

Cat Eccles, Labour MP for Stourbridge, said Diamond was ending the 125, including Highley and Bridgnorth service, from 31 March but it was "the only service linking" Stourbridge with Kidderminster.

Last month, Shropshire Council said it would need to consider fully subsidising for a limited time using government funds to improve county services.

Diamond said the 125 was not viable "for us to continue in its current form" but it was working to ensure communities served by it would have a service.

Ms Eccles said she wrote to Diamond and the council, which wants "to save the service", to urge keeping the route, one of the only ones serving Norton residents.

Services "should be run for the public where they are needed and rural areas are generally poorly served", the MP said.

She added Wyre Forest and south Shropshire MPs had signed her letter ahead of the service going out to tender at the end of this month.

MP Cat Eccles said bus services should be run where they are needed and also help rural areas

Diamond Bus said low passenger numbers and challenges caused by regular diversions due to roadworks and road closures meant the service was "no longer viable for us to continue in its current form".

A spokesperson stated it was working with relevant authorities to establish a way forward and ensure communities served by the 125 would still receive a service.

It intended "to maintain at least an hourly service between Kidderminster and Bewdley via Habberley" and was talking with the council in a bid to maintain the "Bewdley – Bridgnorth section".

The firm was discussing options "for the Stourbridge section with Transport for West Midlands".

The spokesperson said it understood the potential loss was difficult for those in "small rural communities".

In January, the council said no other bus operator in the area considered the route commercially viable and the authority would assess which, if any, operators "are interested in operating this route".

Ian Nellins, cabinet member with responsibility for public transport, said it was "very disappointed" over Diamond's decision, but "this remains an important route for many".

The council would use the contract period to work out usage and it was "really important for people to use the service", he added.

"The message really is 'use it or lose it'."