Residents who have their COVID-19 vaccination booked at Severn Fields Medical Practice will now be able to access a free shuttle bus service.

Last week saw the launch of the free shuttle service to the new Shrewsbury Vaccination Centre at Shrewsbury Sports Village (Bowls Centre) on Sundorne Road.

The service will also take passengers attending the adjacent Severn Fields Medical Practice, and passengers can walk the short distance from the bus stop on the Shrewsbury Sport Village site to Severn Fields Medical Practice.

The service is operated by Arriva in partnership with Shropshire Council.

Services VS1 and VS2 will run every 20 minutes throughout the day, with Shuttle VS1 running from 0735 until 2015, and Shuttle VS2 running from 0745 until 1945.

The shuttles will serve key locations around Shrewsbury, picking up passengers travelling to the Vaccination Centre. VS1 will serve Bayston Hill, Meole Brace – Moneybrook Way, Abbey Foregate – Shirehall and Monkmoor Road. VS2 will serve the Harlescott Park and Ride site, Coton Hill and .

Upon arrival at the Shrewsbury Sports Village (Bowls Centre), marshals will be on hand to direct people to get their vaccines at either of the vaccination centres.

Over the coming weeks the service may alter as the main demand points become clearer. This should not impact people’s ability to use the service.

All buses undergo a daily enhanced cleaning regime, which includes the deep cleaning of all touch points with a suitable disinfectant. Customers are asked to follow social distancing rules on board the services wherever possible, by not using seats that have been taped off for their own and the driver’s protection. Face coverings must be worn at all times. Exemptions apply.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“The inclusion of Severn Fields Medical Practice on these bus shuttles is a sensible thing to do, as the sites are adjacent to each other.  It is likely that the vaccination programme will continue for many months ahead and these sites provide Shrewsbury and the surrounding areas with excellent facilities to help fight the virus and get life back to ‘normal’.

“The Council will do all it can to support these centres and the free shuttle services in partnership with Arriva, to help residents get their vaccines are part of this effort.”

For the timetable for the shuttle service, please click here.

The shuttle service follows the successful launch of the free transport offer which is for bespoke transport for vulnerable individuals to various vaccinations locations who, without transport assistance, would not have been able to attend their appointment.

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:

• Stay At Home
• Work from home, if you can
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
• Wear a face covering in indoor settings (food shops, workplaces) where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble.
• Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 10 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 – option 0 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.