Evening bus services in Yeovil will run as normal for another two-year period despite an application for financial support being submitted late.

Yeovil Town Council agreed to contribute £10,390 but also warned it cannot guarantee funding forever.

The five routes in question are run by First Southern National and financially supported by five local authorities - Somerset County Council, South Somerset District Council, Brympton Parish Council, Yeovil Town Council and Yeovil Without Parish Council.

The current arrangement expires on the last day of March, so the district council (which administers the programme) wrote to ask for continued support.

Unfortunately, this was after the town council had set its precept, which meant that money had to be found in the general fund should the proposal be supported. In a report to councillors, town clerk Alan Tawse wrote: "Uncommitted balances in the general fund stand at £31,962, which is considered to be at a comfortable level.

"However, the contribution sought will put considerable pressure on these balances although this will be offset by the share of the balance of the settlement from Pearce Festive Lighting (yet to be received) and an anticipated underspend in the Milford Park budget (yet to be confirmed)."

District council transport officer Pam Williams attended the meeting and explained that passenger numbers had increased considerably over the first two years, but were far from commercially viable. She was confident that numbers would increase further when the town's leisure complex opens.

Councillor John Vincent Chainey agreed numbers had increased, using his own observations when walking home from council meetings as evidence.

Councillor Pat Martin supported the application despite its late arrival, and added that she wished to see some sort of acknowledgement on the timetables.

The Mayor, Councillor Mayor Bridget Dollard, was supportive in general but expressed some disappointment that none of the evening routes seemed to serve Yeovil South Ward.

Councillor Chainey returned to the debate, adding his support but also pointing out that the council's contribution should not be taken for granted in years to come.

All councillors voted in favour of the application.