Route 404 extension to Cradley Heath

Travel West Midlands has registered an extension to the [Walsall to Blackheath] 404 bus service. The service extension will provide for a 15 minute frequency that will now also serve Cradley Heath. Chris Roberts Area Director West, said "We had a meeting with John Spellar MP, Sylvia Heal MP, and the Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Bill Thomas during the Summer period. Following that meeting with the elected members we designed an extension to the 404 bus route that we believe will cover all their aspirations of improving bus accessibility for this area of Sandwell. We have now registered an extension of our 404 bus service. This route as from the 27th October will now extend into Cradley Heath, terminating at the Cradley Heath Interchange. This will provide better access for both Old Hill High Street and Cradley Heath High Street. Allowing better access for shopping and market facilities and providing an integration with the local rail services. It will also provide a frequent link to the local High Schools, a service that Ms Sylvia Heal MP was most keen to achieve." Sandwell Council Leader, Cllr Bill Thomas, said: "I have long argued that the gap between Cradley Heath and Blackheath is Sandwell’s ’Bermuda Triangle’ for bus services.I am, therefore, absolutely delighted at Travel West Midlands’ extension of the 404 route, which will effectively mean the plugging of the gap. It will be a great benefit to many people.In general terms it will link Cradley Heath and Old Hill with the rest of Sandwell.In particular, it will be a boon to pupils who -- after the recent decision to close Britannia High School in Blackheath -- will transfer to Heathfield School in Cradley Heath.It’s now up to the travelling public now to support the extension of the service and make it all worthwhile."

Published 3rd September 2002