GIDEON Amos, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Taunton and Wellington, has vowed to help save four threatened bus routes in the county.

Buses of Somerset has said that routes 25, 28, 54, and 58 could be withdrawn or reduced without funding support from Somerset Council.

Under threat are:

• Route 25: Taunton – Dulverton via Wiveliscombe, Cotford St Luke, Milverton.

• Route 28: Taunton - Minehead via Bishops Lydeard, Williton, Watchet.

• Route 54: Taunton - Yeovil via Langport, Somerton.

• Route 58: Yeovil – Wincanton.

Mr Amos said: “I’ve spoken with our LibDem team on Somerset Council.

“We are now working to save as many routes as we can from BoS cuts.

“The Conservatives should never have privatised our buses in the first place.”

Rebecca Pow, Taunton Deane MP, said: “I understand that no final decisions have been made yet with regards to these four routes.

“Discussions are ongoing between FirstBus and Somerset Council and I will monitor this issue closely. I know that in recent years the Government have provided record high levels of funding to support vital bus services in Somerset.

“This has enabled both £1 and £2 bus fares for a range of journeys across the county, subsidised by Government grants.

“I will be working to help ensure that adequate services are provided for my constituents who rely on these routes.

“Liberal Democrat run Somerset Council is under the microscope in terms of its financial position.

“The Liberal Democrats failing to get a grip of their financial position having taken over the unitary must not jeopardise services like the bus service which my constituents need.”