Take classic bus to top attractions

Sep 6 2012 by Danielle Manning, Ormskirk Advertiser

IF YOU’RE visiting a local attraction on Saturday, September 15, then why not travel by taking a free ride on a bus that has appeared on the silver screen?

West Lancashire Borough Council, in partnership with Sefton Council, have teamed up with WWT Martin Mere, Windmill Farm, Homestead Farm Tea Rooms, Mere Sands Wood and others to organise this special transport to various places for the day.

And there are some incentives offered by the attractions for people to use the bus:

Martin Mere – entry is only £3 per bus passenger;

Windmill Animal Farm – entry is only £3 per bus passenger;

Homestead Farm Tea Rooms – each bus passenger can get a free scone with any drink bought;

Mere Sands Wood – each bus passenger can get a free hot drink and a free 30-minute pond dipping session.

This special day has been organised through the Visit Sefton & West Lancashire scheme, which encourages people to visit attractions by walking or cycling there or by using sustainable transport.

Cllr Martin Forshaw, portfolio holder for planning and development, said: “We want to encourage people to use sustainable transport as much as possible to help protect the environment.”

The Merseyside Transport Trust has provided a former Liverpool Corporation Bus for the day.

The classic AEC Regent was used by the Liverpool Corporation Bus Service and has appeared in a number of Beatles-related films.

The bus will set off from Burscough Bridge interchange railway station every hour between 10am and 4pm, going to Martin Mere, Windmill Farm, Homestead Farm Tea Room, Mere Sands Wood, Burscough Wharf and then back to the station.

Andy Wooldridge, WWT Martin Mere manager, said: “We hope a lot of people will use a bus and enjoy a relaxing visit to the area. A typical day out could include spending the morning at Martin Mere or Windmill Animal Farm, having lunch at Homestead Farm and spending the afternoon at Mere Sands Wood or in Burscough village.”