Call for extension to Forres bus service

A WHEELCHAIR user is calling for an extension of Forres' new bus service.

Army veteran Ken Shand of Forres Community Council (FCC) raised the point at the group's monthly meeting that Moray Council's electric bus between Forres and Aberlour takes in Forbeshill but stops short of Mannachie and Ferryhill at the far side of town.

He said: "The new bus is a great idea but why is it only doing one side of the town? I've tested the route it should also take in my wheelchair and on my hand-bike - from Grant Drive it only takes me eight minutes with the chair and four on the bike. Both are also electric."

In the new year, Forbeshill will benefit from five local runs-a-day following a recommendation by the council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee.

Committee members heard developer contributions from new housing in the area would soon be available once the road link from Mannachie Road to Grantown Road is in, providing the trigger to use those monies in procuring some service for the area.

Cllr George Alexander has also called for the service to add a loop around Mannachie Road, Falconer Avenue and the Grantown Road.

However, he said: "The point that Kenny was making was made loud and clear by me at the planning committee. The response I got was that the officers would consider this when funding becomes available."