Somerset Live reports that a vital bus route in Somerset has been saved following a successful campaign by local councillors

FirstBus operates the 173 services between Wells and Bath, which serves the villages of South Horrington, West Horrington, Binegar, Gurney Slade and Chilcompton as well as the towns of Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

It was indicated that the route was at risk of being scrapped in the autumn, due to a severe shortage of bus drivers and the withdrawal of government funding provided during the pandemic.

However, the company has backtracked on its decision following a campaign by councillors and a petition which attracted more than 600 signatures.

Councillor Tom Killen, who leads the opposition Conservative group on the council, said the loss of the service would "have a huge impact upon those living and working along its route", with residents being "unable to travel to work, school, university and places of work."

Full article:

Somerset Live - Vital Somerset bus route saved by councillors after hundreds sign petition