A PUBLIC transport firm has confirmed how it will be changing its services in Wrexham and Flintshire in response to challenges created by Wales' new 20mph zones.

The Leader reported earlier this year how the introduction of new 20mph speed limits across Wales created "challenging operational conditions" for Arriva Buses Wales.

A review of the network was announced, with Arriva "closely monitoring" the impact of the new speed limit.

Now, the company has announced the outcome of that review - with changes to services planned for January 2024.

A spokesman confirmed: "We have been reviewing our timetables since the introduction of the 20mph speed restriction.

"Following this review we are now able to make a number of changes to our network across North Wales in January."

From January 14, the following changes will be made:

  • Services 51 and x51, Rhyl to Wrexham: Service 51 will no longer call into Tweedmill Shopping Outlet, on service x51 Llandegla will no longer be served, instead service will remain on A525. Timetable will be revised but there will be no change to the frequencies.

From January 21, the following changes will be made:

  • Service 3, Chester to Broughton: Service will be re-routed in Chester to operate via Grosvenor Street in both directions not Handbridge.
  • Services 4, 4b and X4 Chester to Mold: Services 4 and 4b - We will be adding an additional bus into the timetable to enable more time to be given to journeys, ensuring the service can run more reliably. Timetable will be revised but there will be no change to the frequencies.
  • Service x4 – Some journeys will be revised to coordinate with changes to services 4 and 4b.
  • Service 5, Mold to Ellesmere Port: Frequency will be reduced to operate every 75 minutes with additional time to be given to each journey to ensure the service can run more reliably.
  • Services 10 and 10a, Chester to Flint: Timetable will be revised, no changes to frequency.

More information can be found on the Arrive Buses Wales website.