A NEW operator has been called in to run the park and ride service in Taunton after the previous one was axed.

WebberBus Ltd has been sacked by Somerset County Council following complaints about buses turning up late or not at all.

The service, which is run from Gateway, at Henlade, and Silk Mills, at Bishop’s Hull, will be taken on on an interim basis by The Buses of Somerset from Tuesday (April 22).

A county council spokesman said the authority had been monitoring the park and ride service for several months following complaints about late and missing buses, particularly in the evenings, and has now “taken the necessary decision to change the contractor of this service”.

Cllr Harvey Siggs, Somerset County Council cabinet member for transport, said: “Taunton’s park and ride service is vitally important to the town and we were disappointed to hear reports of poor service.

“We want the best for our customers and have taken this firm action to make sure they receive a more reliable service in the future.

“The Buses of Somerset will be taking over the service from Tuesday, April 22 on an interim basis until a new contract can be arranged.”

He added that WebberBus Ltd remains a key partner of Somerset County Council and will continue to operate many other commercial and contracted bus services across the county.

Park and ride timetables are available by clicking on the link on this story or you can contact Somerset Direct on 0845-3459155.