PLANS to improve Wiveliscombe bus services are under consideration by Somerset Council following a recent presentation.

Cllr Richard Wilkins - lead member for transport on Somerset Council - announced the plans to introduce new services and alter bus timetables at the council’s Scrutiny Committee on Monday, February 17.

The proposed changes include an entirely new 26 service between Wiveliscombe and Dulverton, and an improved on-demand Slinky service from Wiveliscombe to Taunton and Wellington.

Somerset Council Green Party leader Cllr Dave Mansell said new timetables for the 25 route to improve reliability and increased service frequency between Wiveliscombe and Taunton may also be included.

The plans also included a twice-weekly trial to restore the service between Wiveliscombe and Wellington - which would extend to West Buckland - and a new student bus service from Richard Huish College to Wiveliscombe and Dulverton.

The proposals included the use of additional Government funding for the council, and service provider First Bus which would allow for a number of significant changes to the local bus services.

These demands follow the allocation of approximately £6.2 million in funding for Somerset’s bus services in November 2024, a sum based on population, bus mileage and the local level of need.

Cllr Mansell said he was pleased to see the progression of local campaigns to improve bus services.

He said: “At last, this looks to be a turning point towards better buses. It will be important they are well used to ensure this continues.

“Credit does need to go locally to the Wivey – Welly Bus User Group and the Somerset Bus Partnership for their campaigns on these changes.”

“It’s very pleasing to now see such results for their hard work.”

An update regarding the future of these plans will be given by Cllr Wilkins on March 13.