BUS services in Chirk could be boosted by a planned £200,000 investment by Wrexham Council.

The council's executive board is set to vote on plans to invest £200,000 on improving local transport at a meeting on Tuesday, July 11.

The report will provide an update on transitional funding from the Welsh Government and outline the council's intention to support the local bus network.

Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Housing with Responsibility for Strategic Transport, expressed the council's commitment to investing in the local bus network.

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He said: “The bus network has suffered over the past few years with continued cuts to services.

“We have been working with Welsh Government and the bus industry to review and improve the network especially post pandemic.

“It is important given our drive on decarbonisation as we look for alternatives transport modes other than the car, to do this we need to see improvement to public transport.”

The allocated funding in the first year will focus on extending services during evenings and weekends, subject to procurement processes.

This expansion is anticipated to benefit the local economy, support the city center, and encourage individuals to explore alternative modes of travel.

The council is actively lobbying bus operators and the Welsh Government to reduce fares, thereby further incentivizing bus usage.

Councillor Bithell added: “This funding in year one supports existing routes by extending services during the evening and at weekends subject to procurement.

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“This will also support the local economy and support our city centre and encourage people to look at alternative methods of travel.

“We are also actively lobbying bus operators and Welsh Government to reduce their fares and encourage more use within the bus industry.

Pending approval from the Executive Board, the council aims to introduce and enhance the bus network in early autumn.

The investment in local bus services aligns with the council's broader vision of promoting sustainable transportation options and reducing reliance on private vehicles.