TAUNTON'S two park and ride facilities have been saved - at least for the next year.

Taunton Deane Borough Council is stepping in with a one-off payment following talks with Somerset County Council, which was considering scrapping the sites at Gateway, Ruishton, and Silk Mills, due to financial problems.

The Deane says it will ensure the service can run until at least September 2019.

Cllr John Williams, leader of the borough council, met County Hall counterparts this week so the authorities could find a solution in light of the continuing squeeze on the public purse.

TDBC will provide the initial financial support that will allow the service to continue to operate while a commercially viable service is developed by the authorities and First Bus to complement existing parking provision.

Mr Williams said: "I am pleased that we are able to secure the future of these important edge of town transport links.

"They are essential for drivers looking for an efficient, cost-effective way of getting into the town centre, and are extremely beneficial to the local economy.

"Park and ride schemes enhance our excellent transport links in Taunton Deane, they help to reduce congestion and pollution, and are an integral element of our status as the first garden town in the South West.

"Whilst our one-off contribution cannot guarantee the long term future of the service, it does provide a crucial window of opportunity to work with our county council partners and the bus operating company to put the service on a commercially sound footing.

"As partners, we are convinced there is potential to create a sustainable future for the service and we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of that objective."

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: "We’ve always appreciated the value of the Taunton park and ride but we simply no longer have the finances to support it.

" We’re really pleased Taunton Deane has stepped in and we are committed to working with them to develop the park and ride so that it has a sustainable future and can play a part in the long-term aspirations of the town."