In June the commercial bus service 9/9a was deregistered leaving Cookley rural passengers with the threat of losing a vital transport link to Kidderminster. During June, following the intervention of County Councillor Gordon Yarranton, Worcestershire County Council agreed to run an interim service for six months.

Cllr Yarranton has been consulting with residents and the parish council regarding the need for a passenger service for rural residents living in the Cookley area, and is especially concerned for older residents and students without their own transport travelling to Kidderminster.

“I have been in close contact with Worcestershire County Council in initiating the interim scheme and to ensuring that it is being monitored effectively. I had meetings last week with officers. The initial results from the first few weeks of monitoring the service show that 1,431 passengers used the service of which 1,070 were holding a pass either as concessionary passengers or students for which the Council receives grants from Central Government – hence my concern about elderly residents and students”.

The future of the 9/9a service is far from certain according to the County Council who will decide on whether it is a viable amenity later this year. I am currently arranging for a meeting with the County Council Cabinet member responsible for the decision, Cllr Marcus Hart in the next couple of weeks”. says Cllr Yarranton.