Lib Dems listen and act to keep Meole Brace Park & Ride running

Shropshire’s Liberal Democrat administration will support keeping Meole Brace Park & Ride running beyond 1st November, after identifying funding for a temporary extension to the service. The original proposal to suspend the service followed a cut by the Labour government of approximately £200,000 in bus revenue funding compared with previous years, alongside rising costs for bus operators.

Faced with those pressures, the council had to prioritise protecting important inter-urban bus connections, particularly for residents without access to a car who rely on them to get to work, education and essential services.

However, following strong concerns from residents, businesses and visitors, Liberal Democrat councillors and council officers have continued looking for ways to mitigate the impact of the proposed suspension.

A review of additional income generated following changes to parking charges in November 2025 has now identified sufficient funding for a short-term extension of Meole Park & Ride. The extension will give the council more time to develop a sustainable long-term plan for Park & Ride in Shrewsbury.

The Liberal Democrat administration believes the town ultimately needs to move towards two strategically located and financially sustainable Park & Ride sites, and wants that work progressed as quickly as possible.

That should include seriously exploring Bowbrook as a potential future location, opportunities to work with the NHS and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, and whether funding such as Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions could help provide the necessary infrastructure.

Cllr Rob Wilson, portfolio holder for transport and regeneration, said:

“Residents have made their feelings about Park & Ride services very clear, and we have listened.

“The original decision wasn't about whether we believe in Park & Ride. It was about affordability. Labour cut the government funding available for buses while operators are facing significantly higher costs.

“We inherited an extremely difficult financial position and substantial savings still have to be made. We can't duck those decisions, but neither should we rush them. We have to make sure we do things properly.

“By looking again at our parking income, we have found a way to keep Meole running temporarily. That gives us some valuable breathing space to develop the right long-term solution.

“Unlike our Conservative predecessors, we are prepared to listen, look again when people raise legitimate concerns and change course where we can find a financially responsible way to do so.

“But keeping the existing arrangements indefinitely isn't the answer either. Long-term, I believe Shrewsbury needs two high-quality, well-located and financially sustainable Park & Ride sites, and we need to get on with that work as quickly as possible.

“Bowbrook is one option we should seriously explore, looking too at opportunities to work with the NHS, as well as whether CIL funding could help us deliver the necessary infrastructure.

“We still have to make savings. But making savings and making good decisions aren't mutually exclusive. This extension gives us the time to do this properly and find a better long-term solution for Shrewsbury.”

PHOTO: Councillor Rob Wilson, Lib Dem Cabinet member responsible transport, at Shrewsbury Bus Station