The Redditch Hopper to the rescue (From Redditch Advertiser)

The Redditch Hopper to the rescue

11:50am Monday 13th February 2012 in News

A NEW community bus service has been created thanks to a partnership between Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Dial a Ride.

Following the relocation of leisure facilities to the new Abbey Stadium complex, residents who previously had accessed the Hewell Road Swimming Pool will now have a direct bus service to the stadium.

'The Redditch Hopper' will be providing a new bus service, number 52, to the Abbey Stadium Sports Centre for residents in the Webheath and Batchley area. Operated by community transport provider Redditch Dial-a-Ride, it will be the first community bus service in the county to run a registered local route available to all residents.

The bus will start on Downsell Road and run via Tynsall Avenue, the Poplar Road shops and the new Tesco Express, down Batchley Road where there are connections to other parts of the town and on to Sainsbury's before arriving at the Abbey Stadium.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways and transport said: "We are delighted a local community bus operator has come forward to fulfil a local need for Webheath and Batchley and we wish Dial a Ride every success with their venture.

“I hope this new service will be valued by the community and that local people are able to make full use of the journeys it will provide."

Redditch councillor Michael Braley, who has worked with residents on the issue, added: “The borough council may not be directly responsible for bus services but we recognised that following cuts to bus services in Webheath it was important to try to fill this gap in provision for residents. I urge residents to make use of this new service to ensure it is sustainable.”

In addition to this, with financial support from Redditch Council, Diamond bus service 61 is being extended to include the Abbey Stadium. This service runs via Redditch bus station from North Moons Moat, Winyates East and Matchborough East.

Timetables can be found on WCC's bus timetables website worcestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables or can be obtained by ringing the Worcestershire HUB on 01905 765765.