The idea
A bookable community vehicle/dial-up service could be used to connect Pershore and villages to the north of the town.
The proposed route would be approximately 19.5 miles long and encompass stopping points in the following villages:
• Naunton Beauchamp
• North Piddle
• Grafton Flyford
• Flyford Flavell
• Abberton
• Bishampton
• Throckmorton
• Tilesford (Willow Bank)
• Pershore (Train Station)
• Pershore (Broad Street)
Indicative timings suggest the route could be completed in less than an hour and that passengers alighting at the first stop would spend no longer than 40 minutes if first pick up is Naunton Beauchamp (50 minutes on the bus if route is reversed to have first pick up at Tileford). This would allow for a service to run at least 4 times a day Monday to Friday for social use; it could be run 6 times per day if the aim is also to facilitate commuting ie drop off/pick up from Train station and other key employer locations in Pershore prior to 8:30 and after 5:30.
What we'll deliver
- Provide a bus service to nine villages
- Purchase a vehicle that will be kept and managed by PVC for the service
- Opportunities to people that are isolated, potentially vulnerable or need to access employment opportunities
Why it's a great idea
Bishampton and Throckmorton Parish Council have the support of Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre. Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre has already supported Peopleton Parish Council in providing a connector to the villages to the west of Pershore providing transport links to people wishing to access shops, services and social facilities in Pershore.
This project aims to expand the connector service in the North to provide transport into Pershore for people that want to access the facilities in Pershore, but will also benefit young people and people that wish to access employment facilities. The project will make a significant contribution to the Wychavon District Council and Worcester County Council priorities to increase the range of community-based transport options across Worcestershire and to have the capacity to link into the National Bus Strategy.
Steps to get it done
- Purchase electric vehicle
- Recruit and train the three part-time drivers for the village connector service.
- Increase marketing and promotion of the village connector service.
