A brand-new shuttle bus in Bewdley has welcomed its first ever customers. 

The mayor of Bewdley Town Council, Sarah Billett, was honoured with taking the first bus service on Saturday (May 4) and said the experience was a "wonderful" way to visit the town.

The hop-on hop-off service will be running every Saturday as a trial and is set to offer a "stress-free" park-and-ride option for visitors. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Deputy Mayor Ian Latimer with Mayor Sarah Billett and her daughter Audrey Deputy Mayor Ian Latimer with Mayor Sarah Billett and her daughter Audrey (Image: Colin Hill)

Passengers will be able to leave their cars at the Running Horse on Long Bank or The Bewdley School on Stourport Road and enjoy a convenient ride into town. 

The aim is to support residents and local businesses whilst reducing traffic and congestion in the town centre particularly during the work to install permanent flood barriers. 

Town Mayor Sarah Billet said: "This is a wonderful way to visit Bewdley and enjoy the riverside and all that Bewdley has to offer." 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Driver Chris Mason with Deputy Mayor Ian Latimer Driver Chris Mason with Deputy Mayor Ian Latimer (Image: Colin Hill)

The shuttle bus is funded by Bewdley Town Council and operated by Diamond Buses underscoring the council's commitment to promoting community well-being and economic vitality. 

Residents and visitors are being encouraged to take advantage of the convenient transportation option and explore all that Bewdley has to offer. 

Businesses have given their full support to the scheme which is set to provide a welcome boost to the area and help reduce traffic in the town. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Mayor Sarah Billett with the Diamond Bus operations manager Alex Williams Mayor Sarah Billett with the Diamond Bus operations manager Alex Williams (Image: Colin Hill)

Owner of The Mug House Inn and Restaurant, Hossey Saghri, said: "I am totally in support of anything that will help increase footfall in Bewdley and provide a boost to local businesses. 

"The flood defence work hasn't just had a small impact, it has had a massive impact on the town so if this shuttle bus will help reduce traffic whilst still bringing in visitors then I am 100 per cent in support of it."

Kidderminster Shuttle: Everyone had a great time Everyone had a great time (Image: Colin Hill)

The trial will run every Saturday from May 4 to July 27 between 10am and 3pm. 

For more information and updates on the free shuttle bus trial visit https://bewdleytowncouncil.org/shuttle-bus or contact admin@bewdleytowncouncil.org