The Wells Bus User Group is taking action to try to save the vital bus services that serve the city and the surrounding villages.

The group was recently set up to be a voice for bus users, maintain a sustainable, affordable and reliable bus service to people in Wells and to encourage people to use the bus services we have or face losing them.

The group held its second meeting on Monday, August 8, with many concerned bus users attending.

Spokesperson for the group, and Wells City Councillor Denise Denis, said: "The meeting on Monday was set up to spread the word, and in fact was so well attended because recent announcements by First Bus, first on the possible withdrawal of the 173, then the changes in decision to retain the 173 but axe the 126 in October.

"People expressed their support for the group and we heard their concerns and dismay at the potential loss of the 126, plus other changes to other services such as the bus service to the RUH from the Park and Ride at Bath. Those that attended all took away a petition for them to ask friends and neighbours to sign- as we have found many are still unaware of the changes despite the news on line and on social media.

"Since the meeting we have met people at the bus station waiting to catch the 126, and discovered that many are tourists, staying at the campsites and caravan parks along the route to Cheddar. They all said the fact that there was a good bus service was a factor in their choice to holiday there. If the service goes, it will affect tourism, not only for the campsites, but also for Wells.

"We have had emails from people who face losing their jobs, some who were looking to move to the villages on the route, because they can't find affordable accommodation in Wells and now won't be able to because of the loss of public transport, and students who won't be able to get from the outlying villages to colleges in Strode and other places. 

"We have encourage people to write to First Bus, Somerset CC, James Heappey, and Baroness Vere of Norbiton( Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Dept for Transport)."

The Wells Liberal Democrats have set up an online petition to save the 126 service which has already gathered more than 2,200 signatures.

For those that don't use the internet, Wells Bus User Group has set up a paper petition and Cllr Denis will be outside the Town Hall between 10am and midday tomorrow (Friday, August 12) with the petition for people to sign.

A rally is also being organised on September 5 – to coincide with National Bus Week. People are being encouraged to go to Wells Bus Station at 10am.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Wells Bus Users Group can contact Cllr Denis at [email protected].