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The new service will operate from Worcester to Droitwich, improving access to key areas of the town such as the train station and the industrial parks.

The new 153 service run by First Bus, launched on 6 November and operates during weekdays.

The 20 service, which currently covers Droitwich and is operated by LMS will also be enhanced to serve the industrial estates.

The two services will combine to provide improved access at key shift times, between 6am and 10.15pm.

 

Councillor Mike Rouse, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at ������Ƶ County Council, said: “The business community in Droitwich approached the council directly about improving the bus services during shift times. I went to see them, and we agreed a piece of work they would undertake to survey their staff for instance. 

I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to secure funding from Central Government and work with First Bus to make changes to the bus network that will benefit the workforce and also help other passengers access Droitwich more easily by bus. Identifying the demand was a key part of making this happen and is a good example of how we as the council can be a constructive partner to help create a more sustainable bus network.”

Richard Chinnock, Operations Manager for First Worcester, said: “We’re committed to getting more people to travel by bus, so we’re delighted to be working in partnership with ������Ƶ County Council to provide this additional service in the county, which will provide a much needed boost to the business community, especially those on the industrial estates it serves, as well as local residents and visitors. 

 

“We’ve also been working with the council and local schools to improve our bus services for pupils to ensure they arrive and leave on time for school, resulting in some minor changes to the timetable on a few school routes.”

The new service has been created, following a successful bid by the County Council in partnership with Wychavon District Council using £120,000 received from the UK Shared Prosperity funding, specifically for enhancing the bus services to key industrial sites within Droitwich.

Cllr Richard Morris, Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism on Wychavon District Council, said: “Making sure residents have access to good quality employment and training opportunities is a priority for us and I am delighted we have been able to use our part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to work with partners to create this vital transport link.”

These services will allow workers to access the site at key shift times and provide access to new job opportunities.

Neil Roadknight, Operations Manager at Armstrong Fluid Technology, said: “We at Armstrong continue to search for skilled employees to be based in our Droitwich facility, we noted through interview processes that we were unable to obtain new people who are reliant on public transport due to restrictions traveling to site. I would like to say thank you to everyone involved for investing time to this project, it will be a success, and one we will be promoting to all recruitment partners, as well as current employees. 

Both services will accept tickets from the other service, allowing passengers to use both services in either direction.