Council steps in with Chase Meadow bus service
Warwickshire County Council wants to stress that a new shuttle bus service for Warwick’s Chase Meadow estate is available for all residents and not just users of the local doctors’ surgery.
Recent reports have given the impression that the new bus service is only for patients, but this is not the case and the bus is available for all residents.
The minibus service from Warwickshire County Council came about after Stagecoach expressed concerns at the quality of the roads on the estate, and withdrew the 68 service. Once the developer has improved the roads the Stagecoach service is expected to be reintroduced, probably in January or February.
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.
However, despite this being the catalyst for the new minibus service, all residents, and not just patients, can use the new bus service.
Christine Rogers, speaking for the surgery, said: “We are pleased that Warwickshire County Council is 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.