Hundreds of people have signed a petition to try and save two bus services in Burnham-On-Sea that are threatened by council financial cuts.

As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com last month, Somerset County Council has started a consultation process to seek local people’s views on the proposed changes.

One service earmarked to be withdrawn is Service 113, which runs from Highbridge to Berrow on five return journeys per day and is operated by Hatch Green Coaches.

The council’s proposal is to remove the service, with a spokesman saying: “Other public bus routes are available within walking distance and a slinky service is also available in the area.”

Another local service affected is Service 67 which runs from Burnham-On-Sea to Wookey Hole and is operated by Webberbus. The council’s proposal is to withdraw its funding contribution, thereby requiring the service to be run on a fully commercial basis, which could put its future at risk.

Over 300 people have signed a petition calling for a re-think over the unpopular cutbacks.

Petition organiser June Gibson, who is a daily bus user who travels between Burnham and Highbridge, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There’s lots of support to halt these cutbacks. The 113 bus service in particular is used by local people of all ages who say it is a lifeline to keep them moving.”

“I really encourage people to sign the petition and have their say about the proposals. We managed to save the 113 bus four years ago and we want to do the same again now.”

The petition is available to sign at Burnham Post Office, tourist information centre, Mr Beans Cafe, Fortes and GW Hurleys.

The proposed cuts come as the county council tries to adjust its budget with an expected loss of 20% from its current Government funding by 2019.

To find out more about the consultation before the deadline on January 11th and have your say, go to the council’s website here.

 
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