Norton Connector off road for lockdown but service continues

March 08 2021
Norton Connector off road for lockdown but service continues

The Norton Connector community minibus has been mothballed temporarily although the service connecting the parish with Worcester will continue.

Few passengers have been using the service during lockdown, preventing the growth in take-up of the service.

That has prompted concern that the grant funding from Wychavon District Council for the service will be used up quicker than planned.

Norton-juxta-Kempsey parish councillors do not want to withdraw the service entirely, however, as a small group of regular passengers are continuing to use it.

Worcester Wheels, which provides volunteer drivers for the service, will run it using its other vehicles, which could be cars or buses, depending on demand.

That means the liveried Norton Connector minibus can be put into temporary storage with Worcestershire County Council, saving the major cost of leasing the vehicle.

The service will work in the same way and to the same timetable as before, with up to four trips each way from Tesco in St Peter’s to Littleworth's Parish Hall.

Optionally the route can be extended to Worcestershire Parkway station at one end and Worcester city and surgeries and hospital at the other.

Fares will be, as before, £2 for a single trip anywhere between Tesco and Parkway and £3 for a single trip into Worcester. Concessions will still apply.

Covid-19 protection rules and guidance continue at all times.

Since much of their work is in the care sector, all regular Worcestershire Wheels drivers have already had their first vaccinations.

While residents are urged to comply with lockdown rules, if they do need to go out they can call Worcester Wheels on 01905 450654 to book their trip, remembering to take their face masks. It is hoped the Norton Connector minibus will be back on the road following the end of lockdown.