More than 2,000 people have signed a petition to save the 126 bus, less than a week after it was launched by the local Liberal Democrats.

The petition was started last Wednesday when First Bus announced their plans to axe the 126 bus – which runs from Wells to Weston-super-Mare.

The 126 is the only bus serving parts of Wells, Easton, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Draycott and Rodney Stoke. It is the main bus serving Cheddar and Axbridge and serves many of the North Somerset villages.

Since First Bus' plans were announced there has been an outpouring of support for the service, which many regular users describe as a "lifeline".

Were First Bus to go ahead with their plan to axe the 126 many people, who rely on the bus to get to work, school, college, medical appointments and shops would be stranded and entire communities would be cut off from the public transport network.

Theo Butt Philip, County Councillor for Wells said: "The overwhelming public support for our petition shows just how important the 126 bus is to the people of Wells and the communities all along the route.

"The 126 is an essential bus route for our communities, enabling people to access vital services. It is also an important route for visitors to major tourist attractions in Wells, Cheddar and Weston-super-Mare."

Ros Wyke, County Councillor for Mendip West, which includes Easton, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Draycott and Rodney Stoke, said: "Axing the 126 bus is life changing for many people, we are all determined to find a solution. Your SCC Councillors are actively working with First Bus, North Somerset council and others to find an outcome to preserve this for so many vital route."

Ben Ferguson, County Councillor for Cheddar, which also covers Axbridge, added: "People in Cheddar and Axbridge would find it even harder to get to work, access education and training, and go about their daily lives if this cut is allowed to go ahead. Many people hear have no option but to use the bus and if you take that away people will be isolated."

You can sign the petition online at www.wellslibdems.org.uk/savethe126 - paper copies are available to sign in many shops along the route and local Liberal Democrats have been collecting signatures on the 126 bus, at Wells Bus Station and at Wells Market.

The petition will be delivered to First Bus in the coming weeks.