The future for new developments

As fuel costs continue to spiral, a unique partnership between David Wilson Homes, Warrington Council and Warrington Borough Transport will help more than 2,000 households at the new Chapelford Urban Village tackle the credit crunch.

The Chapelford Connector bus service, which launches this week, will offer residents at Chapelford free unlimited bus travel, with every family receiving either one complimentary 12 month bus pass worth £430 or two six month passes depending on their individual needs.

Andrew Taylor, planning director for David Wilson Homes North West comments: "As a housing developer we are obviously conscious of other financial pressures our customers may face. We recognise that the continued sharp rise in petrol and diesel costs is having an undeniable impact on all households and are therefore delighted to be able to offer our purchasers a complimentary, convenient alternative to using their car.

"Indeed, a recent AA poll of more than 17,500 members found that 16% had decided to travel less by car. We are therefore confident that introducing a scheme which offers door-to-door travel for the residents of Chapelford will prove a huge success."

The number 17 service, has been funded by an investment of more than £900,000 from David Wilson Homes and will run for almost 12 hours per day, connecting Chapelford Urban Village to both Warrington town centre and the Westbrook Centre, a retail park on the outskirts of the town.

A spokesperson for Warrington Borough Council comments: "We are very proud to be able to launch such a unique service in Warrington. This is the first scheme of its kind within the UK and will provide a dedicated service for approximately 2,000 households within Chapelford Urban Village. Whilst they will be able to benefit from what in effect will be their own personal bus service, the Chapelford Connector will also provide an invaluable service to the wider community, linking the town centre with the Westbrook centre."

"The Chapelford Connector will mean modern, state of the art travel which will offer the highest level of convenience for both the residents of Chapelford Urban Village and the for the town as a whole", adds John Bannister, Managing Director at Warrington Borough Transport. "What's more, by taking advantage of the bus service, residents will not only be able to save themselves the cost of using their car but they will also be able to do their bit for the environment by reducing the number of vehicles on the road and consequently their carbon footprint."