Bus services face cuts in Telford due to 'lack of funding'

Multiple services will be stopped and reduced in Telford and Wrekin

Bus services will be cut in Shropshire due to a lack of government funding, a council has said.

Labour-controlled Telford and Wrekin Council warned on Thursday that five routes serving the area would stop from September, but with a 99 service covering impacted areas.

It said the government had declined to offer long-term financial support.

But the Department for Transport says extra funding will be provided.

Additionally, Conservative MP Lucy Allan accused the council of "misinformation".

It is unclear, however, whether funding pledged by the government would avert the loss of five routes said to be facing the axe. The council has been contacted for comment.

The authority on Thursday said government funding covered "less than half" of the council's transport budget.

There are plans to maintain connectivity by bus to areas of Telford

Councillor Lee Carter, the council's cabinet member for place, said: "We are finding it increasingly difficult to continue to subsidise these routes our communities depend on.

"We made a £1.4m investment this year but how long that can continue for is in serious question," he added.

Mr Carter, Labour, said buses were a "lifeline" to the community that people could not afford to lose.

"The time has come for the government to step in," he said.

The Department for Transport said it would provide more than £650,000 in additional funding to boost bus services in the area.

Conservative MP Lucy Allan said: "I am glad that government is providing extra funding to boost bus services in Telford.

"Once again it appears that whatever government gives to Telford & Wrekin Council in funding, the council will always attempt to misinform residents."

The services said to be under threat are 11, 13, 15, 16 and 19, covering Admaston, Arleston, Dawley, Dothill and Hadley.