Bus users from in and around Wells turned out in force for a rally at Wells Bus Station this morning (Monday, September 5).

The rally was organised by the Wells Bus User Group to coincide with the start of Catch the Bus Month, and to show support for the routes in and out of Wells. Around 40 people turned up, including Wells City Councillors led by Mayor of Wells Stewart Cursley.

Wells City Councillor and spokesperson for the Wells Bus User Group, Cllr Denise Denis, said: "Buses play a key role in addressing air quality and tackling the Climate Emergency, and provide an alternative to running a car as petrol prices increase.

"It is imperative to increase passenger numbers and improve financial viability to preserve the existing bus services in Wells. Wells Bus User Group collected nearly 1,000 signatures in support of the 126 route, but this was not enough to prevent the loss of the route which will be axed by first Bus from October 9 on grounds of lack of drivers and insufficient passengers in the winter months. The 173 service was reprieved – but for how long?

"The cases of disadvantaged groups of non-car users, students and commuters who rely on those service were presented to Wells MP, Mr James Heappey, Baroness Vere (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Dept for Transport) and  Somerset Council. It is hoped that the extension of the Bus Recovery Grant will enable a solution for the 126 bus users to be found, but in the meanwhile Wells Bus User Group will continue to make the case - 'Use It or Lose It!' Car users are urged to leave their cars at home and take a journey on the bus."

Wells Bus User Group will be back at the bus station on Wednesday, and will also have a stall at Wells Market on the same day to continue raising awareness about the threat to local bus services.