WEST Somerset bus services campaigner Linda Sparks has heard back after writing directly to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ask for help.

Ms Sparks, who lives in Williton and works in Minehead, has pressed for improvements to the No 28 service and for a shelter and seat to be installed at the bus stop outside the West Somerset Railway Station, in Minehead.

She raised the No 28 service from Minehead to Taunton with the Prime Minister at a time when First Bus South was threatening cuts.

The company has since announced changes to the service, including some non-stop buses to Butlin’s on changeover days, and guaranteed to operate the route for another 12 months.

Writing for the Prime Minister, Government head of bus sector partnerships and promotion Mark Ellis told Ms Sparks: “I hope this response helps to set out the current arrangements for bus services and the steps the Government is taking to support bus services in Somerset.”

Mr Ellis said Somerset Council had been given £13.3 million to spend in any way it wanted to support and improve bus services in the county.

He said nearly another £454,000 had also been made available to support and subsidise ‘socially necessary bus services’ such as the No 28 route until April next year.

Mr Ellis said: The Government remains determined that everybody, everywhere should have access to affordable and reliable bus services.”

Ms Sparks attended a Minehead Town Council meeting in January to press councillors to agree to instal a bus shelter and seat at the sea front railway station location.

She pointed out councillors had more than £31,000 available to them through housing developer contributions, which would mean the work could be done at no cost to council taxpayers.

Now, she has written to town council clerk Ben Parker asking for him to ensure councillors debate the issue.

Ms Sparks said: “We should have respect for our community, especially the elderly, disabled, and workers of Minehead.

“The station building is listed, but this does not stop a bus shelter being there as you can have a historic bus shelter.”