Trial bus service to Hooton station to be launched in Neston

Nov 9 2010 By Lorna Hughes

A TRIAL shuttle bus service to Hooton train station is being launched in Neston later this month.

The four-week trial has been developed in response to concerns about limited public transport to the station, which is a key transport link to Chester and Liverpool, in the evening.

The minibus will be available every Thursday and Friday evening from November 25 to December 23.

The service will collect and return people from the Neston, Parkgate, Little Neston and Willaston areas. It is open to all but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Places must be booked in advance.

Chester and Cheshire West Council's executive member for community and the environment, Councillor Lynn Riley, said: “Listening to the views of local councillors and residents in the Neston area, it became apparent that an evening service to and from the train station may prove a popular addition and one that we were keen to trial.

“In the run-up to Christmas, with many more people taking advantage of late-night shopping and visiting family, this is certainly the best time to trial this new service. I hope many local people will take the opportunity to use the new shuttle bus and prove the viability of this service."

The service will be operated by Ellesmere Port and Neston Community Transport.

It will cost £1 each way - free for older people with concessionary travel passes and under-8s.

Derek Gaskell of EPN Community Transport Ltd, said: “With this being a booked service, we will pick up and drop off at bus stops as near to the address of the registered person as possible, but this will of course depend on the number of passengers for each journey.

"The route is based on part of the 272 service; plus Liverpool Road.”

To find out more call 355 3739.