Rural bus routes 'face more cuts'

Rural buses are likely to be cut further because of funding shortages, Shropshire Council has warned.

Councillor Martin Taylor Smith said the bus service had a £600,000 shortfall and further national government cuts of up to 15% were expected in 2010.

Services already ending this month include Bishop's Castle to Wellington, Bishop's Castle to Newtown via Clun and Bishop's Castle to Ludlow via Clun.

Mr Smith said he understood residents were unhappy with the changes.

'Get worse'

He said: "I accept that a lot of the communities are served by these buses and taking them away will cause problems."

But he warned that services in Shrewsbury and north Shropshire could also be threatened and the problem was "going to get worse".

Among the solutions being considered are ending concessionary fares before 0930 BST.

Mr Smith said this could save £200,000 a year.