Lib Dems Celebrate Bus Service Win for Trecastle and Llangorse

Local communities in Trecastle and Llangorse are celebrating a significant boost to their public transport options after a successful campaign led by Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick,  Powys Transport portfolio holder Cllr Jackie Charlton and local councillors. The MP has welcomed the announcement as a “major step forward” for rural connectivity and quality of life in the region.

Since being elected to Parliament last summer, David Chadwick has made restoring vital public services one of his top priorities, with local bus access high on the agenda. Trecastle, which has been without a fixed bus service since 2015, has long been cited as an example of rural communities left behind by public transport cuts. Residents have faced increasing isolation, with limited options for reaching work, school, shops, and health appointments.

Following months of working alongside Cllr Jackie Charlton, the Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for transport the Liberal Democrats have now secured the reinstatement of a fixed bus route through the village. The new X80 service will reintroduce regular, scheduled connections for Trecastle, giving residents greater independence and access to essential services. The move has been met with widespread approval from the community and local campaigners.

“This is fantastic news for Trecastle,” said Mr Chadwick. “Access to reliable public transport is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline for rural communities like ours. I’m incredibly proud that, through persistent campaigning and close collaboration with Powys Councillors, we’ve managed to get this vital service reinstated. It’s a real win for local people.”

Llangorse will also see improvements to its transport offering, with a new demand-responsive transport service (B49) now set to serve the village a couple of times per week. While not yet a fixed service, Mr Chadwick has welcomed the development as a positive first step and has committed to continuing his efforts to secure a permanent route in the future.

The news marks a key milestone in the Liberal Democrats' wider efforts to tackle rural isolation, support sustainable transport options, and promote social inclusion across Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe. Local residents are encouraged to make use of the new services when they launch in the coming weeks.

The announcement was also welcomed by Cllr Jackie Charlton, Lib Dem Transport Portfolio Holder at Powys County Council, who praised the joint efforts made by the council and Liberal Democrat representatives in securing the investment.

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when local government and our elected representatives work together to deliver for rural communities,” said Cllr Charlton. “The Lib Dems know how vital bus services are to places like Trecastle and Llangorse, they connect people to opportunities, services, and each other. I’m delighted we’ve been able to move forward with this provision.”