News that First Bus plans to cut the 126 bus route between Wells and Weston has been met with anger.

And now Wells MP James Heappey is also lending his voice to the campaign to save the service which provides a vital transport link for many people.

The MP has launched a petition to try to save the 126 bus service between Wells and Cheddar, and has promised to lobby the bus company. But he's also urging constituents to put pressure on the county council to help keep the service in use.

Mr Heappey said: "The 126 is a vital lifeline to many of the most vulnerable people in communities along the Cheddar Valley. It links communities to doctors surgeries in Wells, Cheddar and Axbridge; the hospital in Weston; schools and colleges along the route; as well as shopping and socialising.

"First Bus claim the route is no longer profitable but I'll be pushing them hard on their numbers. Just last week, they were threatening to cut the 173 instead of the 126 so I'm not sure they're being particularly consistent and I'm determined to get answers.

"But Somerset and North Somerset Councils do subsidise bus routes in many parts of the county and so if First Bus won't budge, I need your support to force the councils to step in and save the 126."

You can sign the petition HERE.

Somerset County Council has not responded to a request for comment.