IT is being claimed that bus services in Ludlow town centre have been secured for at least another year.

Vivienne Parry and Andy Boddington, both Ludlow members of Shropshire Council, say that a commitment has been made to carry on the subsidy of £83,000 a year.

The services will continue much as at present although there will be a minor change in the timing of the two services so that they do not run so close together.

Ludlow buses link the town centre with the Eco Park and Rocks Green and, in future, there will be 15 minutes between the buses.

“It is excellent news that these buses are safe because they provide a vital lifeline to people who depend upon public transport,” said Vivienne Parry.

But for Andy Boddington the future of the 701 and 722 services has fired the gun on electioneering ahead of the vote for Shropshire Council in May.

“We live in an era of draconian cuts to local public services,” said Andy Boddington.

“Cuts to bus routes have always been on the agenda of Shropshire Council. Many councillors see them primarily as a cost to the public purse. These are councillors that almost never catch buses.

“Here in Ludlow, our town services are social services, keeping people active and independent. The good news is that both the 701 and the 722 will be continue to be subsidised by Shropshire Council for the time being. I reckon that’s for a year at least.

“Much will depend on the new administration after the Shropshire Council elections in May.

“If we have a hardliner in charge of the transport portfolio, we can expect the worst. But with luck, we will have someone who understands the contribution a regular, high quality service can make to communities, as well as to the health and wellbeing of the people who rely on buses to get around.”