Two towns will be connected by bus for the first time in half a century from the end of March, Shropshire Council says.

People in Broseley will have direct access to and from Shrewsbury, when the 437 Much Wenlock to Shrewsbury service is extended.

The council said the change would be paid for from the allocation of government bus improvement funding for 2024/25 awarded to the authority.

Funding “allocated for last year and 2025/26” would also be spent on improving other bus services and infrastructure in the county, including more frequent park and ride services in Shrewsbury, it added.

Deputy leader and cabinet member with responsibility for public transport Ian Nellins, said of the Broseley/Shrewsbury service that he was “delighted that we’ve been able to make this possible”.

“I hope this newly-extended service will prove popular, and will also lead to fewer car journeys between Broseley and Shrewsbury, which will help the environment,” Nellins added.

Caroline Bagnall, Shropshire councillor for Broseley, said she was delighted that, after a long campaign, residents in the area would have direct bus access to Shrewsbury.

“Thanks are due to all those who have worked hard to make this happen,” she added.