Protesters oppose cuts to Taunton and Wiveliscombe bus route

Protesters gathered in Wiveliscombe Town Square to oppose planned cuts to the 25 bus route. <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Protesters gathered in Wiveliscombe Town Square to oppose planned cuts to the 25 bus route. (Image: Newsquest)
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DOZENS of campaigners gathered in Wiveliscombe to protest plans to cut bus services on Saturday (February 17).

The protest was organised by Somerset Bus Partnership with the RMT union.

They warned that reducing the number 25 service, which runs from Taunton to Wiveliscombe and Dulverton, could leave vulnerable people “cut off”.

It is one of four bus routes in the county, run by First South West under the trading name Buses of Somerset, that face being reduced or axed entirely.

The number 25 route is funded until the end of March by a subsidy from Somerset Council – but the unitary authority is facing a financial emergency.

No final decisions on any of the four routes have yet been made.

In a joint statement, Somerset Council and Buses of Somerset said: “We understand the concerns of the community and we’re working hard to find a way forward.

“We hope to be able to provide an update as soon as possible.”

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