Heather Kidd has expressed support for Highley Unitary Councillor Mary Nicholls and the Explorer Bus Working Group who are disappointed to report that the tourist bus is not expected to run for the April to October season this year, despite much support from residents on the route and a number of funding groups who were all keen to see the bus reinstated. It was hoped the bus would be a weekend and bank holiday bus which would provide valuable transport for tourists and residents between Cleobury Mortimer and Bridgnorth, taking in villages and tourist attractions on the way.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Nicholls said “At a time when many businesses are struggling because of tough economic times the bus could have provided a much needed boost during the summer months to the local economy. It would also have provided transport free for concessionary bus users and very cheap transport for young people on Sundays and Bank Holidays when there is no means of transport between Cleobury Mortimer and Bridgnorth. Despite support from some Parish Councils, Brown Clee, Much Wenlock, and Highley Local Joint Committee, Cleobury Mortimer, and some businesses along the route there was a shortfall in funding to make the route viable”.
Heather Kidd said “The Working Group knew some time ago funding would be difficult when the Southern Area Partnership refused to fund the scheme. The Partnership had also refused to fund the Wenlock Wanderer bus but whereas the Wanderer was looking for 3 years of financial assistance the Explorer was only looking for initial funding for one year so the Working Group continued our efforts. Bridgnorth Local Joint Committee also declined to support the scheme despite Bridgnorth being the main attraction for many users”.
The Working Group have not given up on the Explorer returning to our area but all the funding mechanisms had to be in place for January to enable the bus operators to register the route for this year.