A BUS SERVICE that was axed earlier this year is to be permanently reinstated.

The Arriva 51 and X51 service to Llandegla was scrapped in January after the operator reviewed its timetable and provision, with the new 20mph limit heavily influencing the decision.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar and Cllr Terry Mendies had raised the matter with former First Minister Mark Drakeford, highlighting residents’ dismay at the move.

Denbighshire County Council has now announced it has received approval from all North Wales authorities to use a portion of this year’s Bus Transition Funding to assist with the change made to this service.

Arriva agreed that they could operate the first and last journey of the X51 in and out of Llandegla, with the county council to provide a temporary minibus to run the timetable in between until June 29.

From July 1, 2024, Llandegla will be reinstated as part of the X51 bus service, with the bus entering the village as it had previously.

Welcoming the permanent return of the service, Mr Millar said: “When this service was cut at the beginning of this year as a result of the Welsh Government’s default 20mph speed limit, residents were understandably extremely concerned.

“This bus service is a lifeline for many and without it they would be left stranded.

“I was pleased when Denbighshire County Council agreed to cover the service with a mini bus service, but I think users were always concerned about losing the service in the long term.

“I was therefore delighted to receive confirmation that the service will be back on Arriva’s timetable from the beginning of next month.

“I thank everyone involved in making this happen. It will be very welcome news indeed for residents.”