The 173 bus route between Wells and Bath has been saved.

Last month it was revealed that bus company First was planning to axe the service saying, "Patronage on the 173 remains far below pre-Covid levels and we are having to take some very difficult decisions" and citing driver shortages as a reason for cutting services.

The news prompted outrage, and as the 173 is the only route serving East Wells, South Horrington, West Horrington, Gurney Slade, Binegar and Chilcompton, there were fears that without the bus service many people living in the villages would find themselves cut off.

Bus user groups formed, petitions were started, and scores of letters were written to councillors, the MP and to Frist Bus.

And it seems as if First has bowed to the pressure.

Today (Wednesday, August 3), Somerset County Council received correspondence from First Bus, registering the proposed changes across the area. And although there are some minor – yet to be confirmed – changes planned to the 173 timetable, the service is no longer one of those for the chop, according to Cllr Theo Butt-Philip.

However, Nub News understands that according to the proposals the 126 service between Wells and Weston is in line to be scrapped.

An excerpt from the document from First outlining the proposed service changes

Somerset County Councillor Theo Butt Philip was one of those campaigning to keep the dervice. He said: "I am delighted that First Bus has listened to the overwhelming outpouring of public support for the 173.

"I would like to thank the hundreds of people who signed our petition or wrote to First Bus letting them know how important the 173 bus is.

"The 173 is the only bus left serving East Wells, South Horrington, West Horrington, Binegar, Gurney Slade and Chilcompton - without the 173 these communities would be cut off from public transport entirely.

"People rely on the 173 to get to school and college, to to medical appointments, to work, to the shops, and to the market. I am incredibly relieved that the 173 is not now facing the axe.

"We must continue to ensure vital bus routes, serving Wells and the surrounding villages are protected."