ARRIVA will only be providing five services in Wrexham after a localised outbreak of COVID-19 has led to officials closing the local depot.

The Leader previously reported that a reduced timetable would be running from Wednesday, January 13, after almost 30 Wrexham-based drivers tested positive for COVID-19.

However, on Tuesday evening, an Arriva spokesman gave an update at about 7pm.

They said: “Due to a number of staff being diagnosed with COVID, we have had to take the difficult decision alongside the EHO and Public Health Wales to close our Wrexham Depot tonight to prevent further outbreaks.

“Only special timetables on services 1, 5 & X51 and Arriva Midlands 2, 2A & 2C will operate tomorrow (13/01) and we are looking to get more services running asap from other depots.”

The list of buses still running in full:

• Service 1 Chester

• Service 2/2A Oswestry

• Service 2C Cefn Mawr

• Service 5 Llangollen

• Service X51 Ruthin

In a post on his Facebook page, deputy leader of Wrexham Council and lead member for transport, Cllr David A Bithell said: “We have been notified tonight of this situation and our thoughts go out to staff affected by COVID and we hope that everybody stays safe and well.

"We appreciate the difficulty this will cause to those who rely on public transport for work. We will try and notify employers and the general public to make them aware of the difficult situation."

Cllr Bithell says that it is understand the decision has been taken in discussion with Public Health Wales and WCBC's own environmental protection staff.

He adds that the proposed suspension "will last around 10-14 days" and the local authority "will receive confirmation of their intention to restart as the days progress and there is a better understanding around their COVID-19 outbreak".

For a full breakdown of the emergency timetable, go to https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/help/coronavirus/coronavirus-timetable-information.