Passengers in Oswestry will soon benefit from the launch of a new budget bus operator in Wrexham.

EasyCoach is part of the easyGroup family of brands, led by billionaire easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

From Wednesday, June 27, easyCoach’s trademark orange and white buses will serve Oswestry with a route from Wrexham, and the man at the wheel of the enterprise, founder Andrew Martin, is confident locals will enjoy an improved service at lower prices.

Andrew said: “The Wrexham bus service network has fared badly recently, with the closure of two out of three major operators since 2016. Having just one dominant operator isn’t great for the consumer, so we saw an opening for an innovative brand that would bring a breath of fresh air to the town. We guarantee fares will always be lower than our main competitor’s, giving customers more bang for their buck.”

EasyCoach launches with four main services, including Route 2 which operates from Oswestry to Wrexham five minutes ahead of Arriva West Midlands. The bus will call at Chirk, Gobowen and Weston Rhyn before stopping inOswestry.

Andrew added: “Besides cheaper fares, we will also have promos throughout the year, as well as concessions for passengers who are retired or disabled.”

EasyCoach will also make it simpler and cheaper to get from Wrexham to both Liverpool and Manchester Airports.

Andrew explains: “We already run easyBus airport shuttles from Wrexham. Anyone with an easyBus ticket to the airport can now travel for free on an easyCoach into Wrexham bus station, and then it’s a simple change for the airport service. This won’t just save money, but also means more convenience for passengers and fewer cars on the road.”

Andrew’s wife Sarah hails from nearby Shrewsbury, so the entrepreneur, who recently sold his French easyBus business to National Express Group, is delighted to be creating jobs in the local area.

So far 10 drivers have been recruited, including one who has decided to come out of retirement. All will be thoroughly trained to provide the best in customer service ahead of the June 27 launch.

Andrew says: “There are no security screens on our buses so the driver isn’t separate and hidden away. We want them to be open and available to help the public, which builds relations with our valued passengers.”

Cllr David A Bithell lead member for environment and transport said: “The bus industry more recently has seen significant decline and welcomed new services and companies to Wrexham." "EasyCoach have moved their depot to Wrexham from Shrewsbury which also provides new jobs and a boost to the local economy. Wrexham Council wish the new venture a success.”