The Conservative Group Clarification Report: Arriva Bus Service 12, Coalville to Whitwick
Background
The Arriva Bus Service 12, operating between Coalville and Whitwick, was withdrawn in 2022 due to low passenger numbers, rendering it commercially unviable.
Reinstatement
In 2024, Whitwick residents, supported by the then-County Councillor Tony Gillard, petitioned Leicestershire County Council to reinstate the service along its original route.
With funding from the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and collaboration with then-Lead Member for Highways, Ozzy O’Shea, the service was approved for reinstatement in January 2025, following the previously withdrawn route. This service is now partly subsidised by the County Council.
Proposed Route Change
After several months of operation, Arriva reported low passenger usage and proposed a route adjustment in Whitwick to include Church Lane, providing return journey access to the medical centre.
This change was informed by resident feedback gathered at the County Council’s Sustainable Travel Roadshows during spring and summer 2025.
Consultation Process
The County Council and Arriva assessed the proposed route change from June to July 2025. On 10th July 2025, an email was sent to Whitwick’s County Councillor, Cllr Joseph Boam, outlining Arriva’s proposal to reroute the service down Church Lane.
The County Council held two drop-in sessions as part of the countywide bus network review (Phase 4) to brief new and returning councillors.
Full details of the proposed change were shared with Cllr Joseph Boam on 4th August 2025, prior to wider distribution to parish councils.
