AN UNDER-threat bus service in Bridgwater will be incorporated into another route, it has been revealed.

As reported in the Mercury, the town’s C and F services were set to be axed under cost-cutting proposals by Somerset County Council.

Buses of Somerset (BoS) stepped in to provide the service, with the help of county council funding, after the sudden demise of WebberBus earlier this year.

BoS then revealed it was planning to stop providing the route as it was not financially viable, leading to an outcry from residents and councillors, who described the bus as a ‘lifeline’.

However, Somerset County Council has announced plans to incorporate the C service into the number 16 route, starting next year.

The plans would see the route 16 bus stopping at Dunwear Lane, Somerville Way, Alderney Road, Somerset Road and Sedgemoor Road, covering part of Service C.

The council is unable to provide a direct alternative for the section of route on either side of Parkway to the C but Bridgwater Town Bus Service 1 operates along the full length of Parkway on a half-hourly frequency and service 75 operates along Eastern Avenue on a half hourly frequency during the day, Monday to Saturday.

Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Leigh Redman, county councillor for Bridgwater South, praised the decision.

Cllr Redman said: “As soon as I heard about the cuts and concerns from users, I contacted the cabinet member for highways to try and find a way forward.

“Service C is a service that is essential to some of the most vulnerable members of our community, used extensively by old and young, in a lot of cases as the only form of transport available to get to town for work or essential shopping.

“Working with officers and other providers I am pleased to announce we hope to be able to provide a service that enables people to get around, to be in place for January to provide no break in service.

“I want to thank Hatch Green and county officers for their help in getting this service for our community, the service will operate three off-peak trips in and out of Bridgwater town, allowing links with main services. Having this means links can be maintained for those living on Bridge estate and Sydenham.

“This timetable will commence on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, to ensure there is no gap in service between the withdrawal of service C and the diversion to service 16.

“Service 16 is operated by Hatch Green Coaches and once SCC receive confirmation from the traffic commissioner that the registration is accepted we will also ask the Buses of Somerset to ask their drivers to advise existing passengers of this service.”

“This really is great news.”