LOCAL bus user groups are campaigning for a new bus service between Wiveliscombe and Wellington.

Surveys suggest there is demand for the service to return ten years after it was cut, reconnecting the villages that lie between the two towns.

Conducted by the Wellington and Wiveliscombe bus user groups in 2023, the research found that 78 per cent of those Wellington residents surveyed were in favour of reinstating the bus link between the two towns – the figure was higher (96 per cent) among residents who were asked in Wiveliscombe.

Milverton Parish Council also conducted a survey a year earlier, with 58 per cent of surveyed residents in Milverton and surrounding areas stating that the lack of a service to Wellington was a reason for not using buses.

The most cited reasons for using buses were for socialising (60 per cent) and shopping (57 per cent).

Now, a petition has been launched to give local people an opportunity to show their support for the restoration of the service.

Cuts were made earlier this year to the First Bus 25 service between Taunton and Dulverton and the groups claim that if Wiveliscombe residents were able to travel by bus to Wellington, they could pick up the frequent 22/22a/X22 services to get to Taunton as well as buses to Tiverton and Honiton.

There is also a connection at the Lidl store in Wellington to the hourly Falcon services to Bristol Airport and Bristol city centre, as well as to Exeter and Plymouth.

A spokesperson for the Wiveliscombe bus user group said: “We urge people in the local area, regardless of whether or not they use buses, to sign our petition.

“A bus link between the two towns would enable people in Wiveliscombe and Milverton to get to Wellington for dental, optician and hospital appointments as well as for shopping and leisure/social events.

“The infrequency of the current service between Wiveliscombe and Taunton, made worse by recent cuts, means that this could be a very desirable option. 

“For Wellington residents, Wiveliscombe has the attraction of events such as the ten Parishes Festival, local walks, and a weekly market.

“Surveys have shown there is a demand. We need an operator to pick up and run with our proposal.”

The proposed bus route would run from Langley Cross, just outside Wiveliscombe, terminating at the site of the proposed new railway station at Poole, near wellington.

From the high street in Wiveliscombe the route would turn into Taunton Road and run along the B3227 to Milverton, turning right at Milverton Stores into Butts Way and from there to Spring Grove.

From here, the route would progress to Langford Budville, passing the Martlett Inn and the church before turning right at the junction with the B3187, entering Wellington via Tonedale.

From Wellington High Street, the route would continue along Taunton Road before turning left at the Lidl store and terminating at the proposed new Wellington railway station in Poole.

To find out more about the petition visit https://chng.it/pPMdmHFzn6