Council saves part of Wells 126 service
Somerset County Council has stepped in to save part of the 126 bus service from Wells to Weston super Mare. First West of England announced in the summer it was discontinuing the 126 service. Despite a petition from local MP James Heappey, First confirmed they would discontinue the service anyway.
Today Somerset County Council announced they had found and alternative company to provide the service. Libra Travel is a family run business that operates from the small village of Chilcompton. They already supply services for Somerset County Council, West of England Combined Authority and Wiltshire Council.
The services is a lifeline for local communities – the 126 connects Wells to Cheddar, Axbridge, and other outlying villages.
However the new service will only run as far as Axbridge. Continuing on to Weston super Mare requires support from North Somerset Council. As yet that has not been forthcoming. Many residents will be disappointed that the link to Weston super Mare has been cut. The service is a vital link for those trying to get to Weston Hospital or Weston College.
The Somerset Bus Partnership has expressed disappointment at the service cut. They have called for urgent meetings between SCC, North Somerset and the local MP. They are urging a resolution before First Group withdraw the service on 9 October. Meanwhile from 10 October the new operator will be continuing to provide the Somerset leg of the 126 service. There’ll be a regular service between Wells and Axbridge which will also serve the Blue School at Wells during term time.
Wells MP James Heappey said: “This is a great victory for residents along the Cheddar Valley. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who signed my petition and utterly delighted that the route has been saved.”