ON Saturday, February 10, a group over over 100 people gathered in Yeovil to protest over proposed bus cuts in Somerset.

The group had signs and banners to mark the protest and the event was organised by Somerset Bus Partnership.

Speaking at the protest, Peter Travis, co-chair of Somerset Bus Partnership, said: “Our campaigning to protect and improve our bus services in Somerset must and will continue.

"Somerset has some of the worst rated bus services in the country and we deserve and need better.

"The best way each of us can help improve our buses is to choose to go by bus more often. But we want the Council and First Group PLC to play their part by ensuring these vital bus services are there for us to use.”

First South’s bus routes 54 (Yeovil to Taunton), 58 (Yeovil to Wincanton), 25 (Taunton to Wiveliscombe & Dulverton) and 28 (Taunton to Minehead) continue to remain under threat of cuts or even cancellation.

First South (operators of Buses of Somerset) and Somerset Council issued a joint statement on Friday about the cuts.

The statement read: "Representatives from both Somerset Council and First Bus South are continuing to work together and have frank and constructive conversations about the issues.

"Both parties remain very hopeful a way forward can be found for these services. We understand people's very real concerns and we hope to be able to provide an update soon."

Somerset Bus Partnership, which is the umbrella organisation for the 11 bus users groups in towns across Somerset, has said more demonstrations are planned to protest against any further bus cuts.

Travis added: "Two thirds of Somerset councillors from all the major political parties, when they were elected in May 2022, made a pledge to improve bus services in Somerset. We will hold them to their commitment."