When First Bus announced the closure of the 126 bus route between Wells and Weston, through Cheddar and Axbridge, many local residents became concerned that they would lose access to shops, services, schools and amenities along the route.
Local Conservative councillors and James Heappey MP tried to encourage First to reverse their decision, then took the case to the new Somerset Council.
Realising the strength of local feeling, the Council has finally relented, subsiding a route between Wells and Axbridge, operated by Libra Travel, from 10th October, but excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Wells James Heappey MP says, "This is a great victory for residents along the Cheddar Valley. I'm hugely grateful to everyone who signed my petition and utterly delighted that the route has been saved."
However, it is feared that the funding could be temporary as the council has not given any information about the longevity of the subsidy, since it is funded through a Bus Recovery Grant, provided by central government and designed to support bus services after Covid.
The obvious flaw in the plan is the lack of access to Weston-super-Mare - particularly the hospital, which for many residents is crucial.
Axbridge district councillor Graham Godwin-Pearson says, "This route is a lifeline for people through the villages. It is essential that Somerset continues to fund it once the Bus Recovery Grants from Westminster come to an end."
