Local night bus trial to launch in November

The pilot scheme follows calls from businesses, hospitality workers and visitors, say a business group

A night bus is set to be trialled in the run-up to Christmas to assess demand for a regular year-round service.

It will cover three routes in Shrewsbury on Monday to Saturday until midnight, from 24 November to 23 December.

Funding for the trial follows "strong calls" from local businesses, hospitality workers and evening visitors for better late night transport, said Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID).

Detailed timetable and fare information will be announced in the coming weeks, it said, adding the pilot is a collaboration between the BID, Shropshire and Shrewsbury Town Councils and the bus company Arriva.

The night bus will run until midnight on a Monday to Saturday between 24 November and 23 December

The night bus will run on the N11, N25 and N27 routes, serving all stops on the way to Gains Park, Harlescott and Bayston Hill.

There will also be some additional stops in the town centre and at park and ride locations.

A night bus had been a "frequently requested improvement" from businesses and workers in the town centre, according to Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury BID.

"By working together, we've been able to get this idea back on the table and turn it into action," said Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley, adding she was "thrilled" funding had been secured.

The success of the trial will be judged on usage data, passenger feedback and the views of local businesses.

Updates on the night bus will be on Shrewsbury Moves, which is part of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan, a 14-point strategy to improve movement around the town centre over the next decade.