TRADERS and councillors have set up a petition to bring buses back to Wrexham High Street.

Routes were scrapped last autumn because of congestion when two buses passed each other on the narrow road.

But now traders say they are desperate to have the buses back to bring more business to the markets and shops.

Cllr Marc Jones, for the Whitegate ward, says it has been a long-term campaign to return buses to that part of town.

He said: “The road used to be two-way for buses but they found they used to meet in the middle and get stuck.

“It is a solvable problem, though, if perhaps they shuffled the disabled parking around a bit to put it on one side.

“The nearest bus drop-off is behind the People’s Market and what the traders are saying is that for the more elderly or less able it is quite a hike. Trade has suffered directly.

“We need to get the buses back on the High Street or trade will continue to be lost at the markets, the high street shops and pubs.”

Rachel Prince runs a stall in the General Market and with the help of others has set up a petition on the issue.

She said: “I saw a dramatic and sudden downturn in trade when the buses stopped.

“The elderly in Wrexham are finding it difficult – it is a long walk for a physically able person from the King Street bus station to Eagles Meadow.”

Cllr Carrie Harper, who covers Queensway in Caia Park, said: “We have spoken to a lot of traders who said they are taking a big hit in trade since the buses stopped running on High Street.

“The issues are around parking which could be overcome if maybe the disabled parking and loading were put on one side.

“At the moment there is a lot of confusion about the signage on High Street and it needs tackling.

“I think the petition to get the buses back is good and will help to bring it to council level and clearly show the support.”

Last month the Leader reported how businesswoman Stephanie Booth wanted the police to enforce the traffic regulations in the area.

According to signs the road should only be used by buses, taxis, for loading between certain times and those with disabled parking badges.

Since then police said they would enforce the signs but have said there has never really been a problem with cars using High Street.

Martin Wright, chief transportation and asset management officer, said:

“Commercial local bus operators have gradually removed services from High
Street over several years.

“The majority of the services that operate to and from the town centre are provided without any direct financial support and it is the bus operators themselves who decide which route to take.

“We will continue to work with the bus operators who express an interest in serving the High Street so that we can support them wherever possible.”