New bus service will link Cannock to Birmingham

A new regular bus service will connect Cannock to Birmingham, years after a popular route was axed.

Campaigners have rejoiced after it was revealed the National Express West Midlands X51 service from Birmingham would be extended to Cannock - running every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on Saturday.

This will link the town to Birmingham with regular journeys for the first time since Arriva axed its X31 route several years ago.

The X51 will run from Birmingham, through Great Barr, Walsall, Bloxwich and Great Wyrley to Cannock.

Sunday journeys could be added if the extended service proves popular.

A National Express West Midlands spokeswoman said: "Following the successful extension of our 10A service from Walsall into Lichfield, we're pleased to confirm that we will soon be introducing a new direct link between Birmingham, Walsall, Bloxwich, Great Wyrley and Cannock all day on weekdays and Saturdays.

"We know that local people want reliable, frequent bus travel and our customers will benefit from a significant increase in weekday frequency on the X51.

"Buses will run up to every 20 minutes Monday to Friday, with an enhanced peak service up to every 15 minutes - and a new Saturday service up to every 30 minutes.

"These changes will take effect from April 28.

"Our state-of-the-art Platinum buses on the X51 route will give our customers extra leg room and next stop announcements.

"With free on-board wifi and comfortable seats we think they're a very attractive way to get between Birmingham, Walsall and Cannock.

"Full details including timetables will be published on our website www.nxbus.co.uk in the coming weeks."

Cannock Chase Council deputy leader Gordon Alcott said the new service was "brilliant" for the town.

He said: "A lot of people commute from Cannock into the West Midlands and this will help them.

"I think they are looking to the future.

"We have the McArthur Glen retail development in Cannock.

"People will want to get from Birmingham to the outlet village and that will be another way of getting in and out of Cannock."

Lee Murphy, chairman of the Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay Community Group, has campaigned for improved bus services.

He said: "Finally after 12 months of pressing local companies we have finally received some good news.

"There is stigma from train users that buses take too long and are unpleasant, and I invite those people to try out the X51."

The X51 currently operates a very limited service to Cannock, early in the mornings and in the evenings on weekdays.