MORE bus drivers were being recruited to cover routes in West Somerset, Buses of Somerset has said.

The company responded to complaints reported by the Free Press about lateness and cancellations of the No 28 service between Minehead and Taunton.

Linda Sparks, a ‘key worker’ living in Williton and working in Minehead, told how she had recently been late for work every day for a week due to the inconsistent No 28 service.

Ms Sparks said passengers had been left shivering at bus stops through the winter and one person she had spoken to lost a job interview because he did not arrive in time after his bus was late.

Now, the company has told the Free Press it was trying to run the best service possible for West Somerset passengers despite a shortage of drivers which was being experienced nationwide.

A spokeswoman said: “We are committed to providing a full and reliable service for the whole community, even in the face of driver shortages.

“So, it is distressing to hear of people who are let down for any reason.

“We have been working very hard to recruit more drivers for our organisation and have been doing so for some time.

“We offer a good benefits package, flexible vacancies, including part-time work, and we offer full training.

“In the meantime, we are very grateful to all our drivers who do all they can to work flexibly and cover shifts when people have called in sick.

“It is a challenging situation, but with more drivers we will be able to ensure all services are covered if emergencies arise.”

The situation is due to be discussed at a meeting shortly between Somerset County Council transport chiefs and bus company executives.