A PETITION calling for an axed bus service to be reinstated has been launched.

Arriva Buses Wales confirmed that from January 14, it would no longer serve the Tweedmill or the village of Llandegla via its services 51 and x51, Rhyl to Wrexham.

Service 51 no longer calls into Tweedmill and on service x51, Llandegla is no longer be served. The service, instead, remains on A525. 

Justifying why the service is being axed, Arriva Buses Wales said "overall" it is taking longer to operate and punctuality has been reduced.

A public meeting, over the withdrawn service, held in Llandegla Memorial Hall, attracted 50 residents and Carolyn Thomas MS and Mark Isherwood MS have both raised the issue in the Senedd following changes to bus routes across the region [following a punctuality review]. 

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is also urging the Welsh Government to engage with Arriva Wales and Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, has written to Arriva over the matter.

Fraser Robertson, who has launched the petition - 'Reinstate the Original Route of X51 Wrexham to Denbigh Public Bus Service', told the Journal and Free Press: "The meeting earlier this month was organised by concerned residents, not the community council. As well as residents, the meeting was attended by cllr Terry Mendies, our Denbighshire County Council, and North Wales Assembly Member Carolyn Thomas.

"An update was given on what had happened since the community learned of the change implemented by Arriva.

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"Residents voiced their concerns over having to walk to the Crown Hotel, for those who are able, highlighting the dangers of poor street lighting, lack of pavement and no pedestrian crossing over the busy A525. A group of residents had already written to various stakeholders, including Denbighshire County Council and Arriva, but unfortunately most replies indicated a standard response."

Fraser said the bus route acted as a "lifeline" for those without personal transportation.

"The original route provided direct access into the heart of Llandegla village and supported both residents and local businesses," he said.

"Many villagers are finding themselves isolated with reduced mobility options." 

The Tweedmill Shopping Outlet, in St Asaph, managed to secure their bus stop after being asked by customers.

Lisa Johns, managing director of the Tweedmill, said: "The roads are a bit narrow, poorly lit and there is no shelter and obviously now we have it, we want to keep it.

"This isn’t from a selfish point of view, but for safety reasons. The road is busy, it is a 60mph, and now staff and customers have to have to cross it."

Fraser said he understands that Arriva is having discussions with Denbighshire and Transport for Wales over "suggested route changes".

Arriva Buses Wales have been approached for an updated comment. 

The petition has been signed by more than 500 people. To sign, visit www.change.org/p/reinstate-the-original-route-of-x51-wrexham-to-denbigh-public-bus-service