New bus routes will help improve links between Deeside and Ellesmere Port

Cheshire West and Chester Council has introduced two new bus services to enhance transport links in Ellesmere Port, Deeside Industrial Park, and Queensferry.

The 6/6A bus service, operated by Stagecoach in partnership with Redrow Homes and the Council, was launched on 20 January.

This service connects Ledsham Garden Village, Ellesmere Port, and Rivacre, offering improved travel options for residents.

Meanwhile, following Flintshire County Council’s withdrawal of Service 5 from Mold to Chester due to funding constraints, Cheshire West and Chester Council identified a gap in provision.

To address this, it has commissioned the 101/101A bus service, ensuring Stanney Grange, Ellesmere Port, Deeside Industrial Park, and Queensferry remain connected.

The upgraded 6/6A service features three brand-new buses and now runs every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday, from approximately 7am to 7pm. The extended route now serves Ledsham Garden Village, the A41, Kendal Drive, and Hope Farm—areas that had been without service for years.

Additionally, the new service replaces the E7 route, linking Rivacre to Ellesmere Port town centre, rail station, and key employment hubs around Merseyton Road. It also covers residential areas such as Wetherby Way, Gleneagles Road (6), Glenwood Road, and Parklands (6A), with stops including Great Sutton, Summertrees Road, Hope Farm Road, Overpool Road, Whitby Cottage Hospital, and Morrisons.

The 101/101A service fills a critical gap left by the withdrawal of Service 5.

The 101 route connects Ellesmere Port and Cheshire Oaks via Stanney Grange, with four daytime journeys.

The 101A route links Ellesmere Port and Deeside Industrial Park via Stanney Grange, operating eight journeys per day, including early morning and evening services.

Two journeys also extend to Queensferry Crossroads, ensuring better links for commuters and workers.

Both services provide an hourly daytime link for Stanney Grange Estate and are operated by Arriva Cymru under a 12-month contract with the Council.

Councillor Karen Shore, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental, Highways and Strategic Transport, highlighted the importance of these new services.

“We are working closely with partners to ensure the services needed by residents remain in place where possible. These new services will offer enhanced connectivity and convenience.”

She added that funding for the 101/101A service comes from the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP+), while the 6/6A service is supported by section 106 developer contributions from Redrow Homes.

The Council and its transport partners will monitor community feedback and consider timetable adjustments. The next review opportunity will be in April 2025.

Passengers can find the 6/6A timetable on the Stagecoach website, while the 101/101A service details are available on the Arriva website. Additional bus service information can be accessed via Cheshire West and Chester Council’s website.