Butlin's tourists 'overcrowd' rural bus service

Issues plaguing a rural bus service in Somerset have been dubbed "beyond ridiculous" by the local MP.

The 28, which runs from Taunton to Butlin's in Minehead, has been hit by a number of cancellations in recent weeks – and is said to be overrun by holidaymakers at times.

Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said the service was "unreliable, overcrowded, and not fit for purpose".

First Bus, which operates the service under its Buses of Somerset brand, said it was sorry for the frustration caused.

The cancellations have prevented some passengers from being able to reach Taunton by 09:00.

Ms Gilmour said she had asked First Bus for a meeting, and had also invited the manager from Butlin's.

She said there were issues on changeover days at Butlin's, which cause "huge inconvenience" to locals.

The MP added that "lack of strategic oversight" meant the bus does not stop at Musgrove Park Hospital, and bridges on the route mean double decker buses can't be used.

A First Bus spokesperson said it was "working closely with Somerset Council to manage traffic and roadworks" and that "new, larger electric buses" would be used on the route from July.

"These will include more space and luggage racks to improve things for our customers," the spokesman said.

"We welcome feedback and look forward to meeting Rachel Gilmour to better understand local needs and how we can keep improving for her constituents."

Butlin's said any decisions about additional capacity would be made by the operator.

The holiday resort welcomed the introduction of larger buses, which it said would "hopefully help alleviate the issues".

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