A NEW shuttle bus will bring bargain hunters between the Swindon Designer Outlet and the town centre.

Launched by the inSwindon Business Improvement District Company, the free service will run for the first time on Saturday until September 5.

It has been funded by the BID Company, on behalf of town centre businesses.

Di Powell, inSwindon BID manager, said she hoped the scheme would become a permanent fixture for shoppers after the six week long trial run.

“This is a first for Swindon,”

she said. “The shuttle will give visitors an opportunity that they’ve never had before to visit Swindon’s town centre as part of their trip to the Designer Outlet, allowing them to visit a range of independent retailers, high street brands, the Brunel Shopping Centre, and the exciting new leisure and restaurant complex, Regent Circus.

The service will run every 20 minutes, seven days a week, between 10am and 6pm.

All passengers will be offered a temporary Swindon Loyalty Card for them to take advantage of all the exclusive offers available in town centre retailers.

The route is a loop from Kemble Drive at the Swindon Designer Outlet – Farnsby Street (for The Brunel) – Regent Circus – Fleming Way (for shops at The Parade, including the new H&M) – Swindon station – Swindon Designer Outlet.

Tina Cumpstey, centre manager of the McArthurGlen Swindon Designer Outlet, said: “The Swindon Designer Outlet is pleased to be working with inSwindon BID (Business Improvement District) to extend the shopping experience for those visiting Swindon.

“We are delighted to welcome the addition of the free shopper shuttle service linking the designer outlet with the town centre and the train station throughout the summer holidays.

“With the recent re-launch of our new £40 million Long Shop mall, the complimentary service will be a real added bonus for customers visiting Swindon giving them a superior shopping experience.

“We look forward to welcoming plenty of customers who want to enjoy the fantastic offerings and great restaurants within our Grade-II listed centre.”

Paul Jenkins, head of Thamesdown Transport, said: “Thamesdown is delighted to be working with inSwindon to deliver this innovative project and we very much hope that the free bus link will help the many visitors who come to the Designer Outlet to also enjoy the town centre’s leisure and shopping attractions.”