Bus routes under threat in 'bombshell' announcement

Four major bus services in Somerset could be reduced or even withdrawn, unless the operator can secure further funding.

First Bus South has put forward proposals that would reduce the number of journeys on buses between Minehead, Dulverton and Taunton, and end services from Yeovil to Taunton and Wincanton.

Somerset Council said while it is disappointed in the proposals, it does not have enough funding from the government to subsidise the routes beyond March.

Campaigners say any withdrawal or reduction in routes will impact working-class communities and affect local businesses.

First Bus told BBC Radio Somerset it is reviewing its network, which it does twice a year, and told the council what could happen if funding was to be withdrawn after April.

"Last July, Somerset Council agreed on a funding package that helped to bridge the gap between the operational costs and the revenue, and since then, this has allowed the four routes to remain as they are today," First said.

It added passenger growth had not been enough to end the need for financial support.

"Reducing or withdrawing routes is the last thing we want to do, but without ongoing support, this could be an outcome."

Somerset Council's lead member for transport Richard Wilkins said: "This is incredibly disappointing, especially after the efforts the council and communities have made to encourage bus use on these routes.

"However, we look forward to further meetings with the operator as soon as possible to try and find a way forward.

"We simply do not have the extra government funding to subsidise these routes beyond March. We do what we can with the money we’ve got.

"This year we will spend nearly £5.2 million on subsidising 76 routes across the county.

"Although there are no planned savings on bus subsidies for the next financial year, the council is under enormous financial pressure."

Campaigner Peter Travis told BBC Radio Somerset the potential changes are "more than disappointing... it's shocking".

He added: "It means anyone who has a job who lives in Yeovil and needs to get to Taunton or to college is not going to be able to go there.

"The loss of these bus services is going to have a very serious impact for people who have no option than to go by bus."

He described the revelations as a "bombshell", adding they will encourage more people to travel by car.