Council steps in with bus service to new Warwick surgery
A shuttle bus service is being launched by Warwickshire County Council to help patients in Warwick and Leamington access a new surgery on the Chase Meadow estate.
The New Dispensary Alder Meadow doctors’ surgery has relocated from central Warwick to Chase Meadow, and patients were told that a regular Stagecoach bus service would be taken out of the estate because of the condition of the roads. It will now just operate along Hampton Road.
There were concerns some elderly patients would find the walk difficult, so the new temporary service was created following talks between Warwickshire County Council and the local Primary Care Trust.
It is hoped the shuttle bus will continue until the condition of the roads – which are currently the responsibility of the developers – improves sufficiently to allow Stagecoach to return buses to the Chase Meadow estate.
Christine Rogers, speaking for the surgery, said: “We are pleased that Warwickshire County Council are able to help our patients transport problem by providing a shuttle service from Warwick Town Centre to our new surgery on Chase Meadow. I feel sure this will improve access for our patients who rely on public transport.”
Councillor for Warwick West, Raj Randev, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to respond quickly to residents concerns about being unable to easily access the surgery now that the bus service has been removed from within the estate. The new temporary minibus service will certainly be welcomed.”
Fares on the minibus service are a £1 flat single fare for adults, with children under 16 paying 50p. Concessionary passes are accepted. The service is operated for the county council by Quartz Coaches of Southam.
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For further information please contact Dave Matthews, senior passenger transport officer at Warwickshire County Council, on 01926 412760.
Editors Notes: A leaflet showing the minibus service timetable is available from the New Dispensary surgery, Warwick County Library or you can receive one by post by telephoning the County Council Passenger Transport Publicity Team on 01926 412987.