WORRIES that the new two-hourly Minehead town bus service, which comes into operation on Monday (February 27), might not be fully patronised were voiced by town councillors at their meeting on Tuesday.

Cllr Les Smith said he had been on the bus the day before the meeting, found there were only eight passengers, and was told by the driver this was an average number.

He said he believed the Porlock service was better used, but it was important that the town service, paid for by local councils for a year, was shown to be viable.

Cllr Oliver Harvey stressed the need to publicise and promote the service: “It is important to emphasise that the buses are for the use of everyone,” he said.

Cllr Terry Venner thanked councillors for their input into the scheme and added: “After consultation, we picked the route people wanted. It is a community bus service now and needs to be supported.”

He said a number of fundraising events were being organised including a quiz, a coffee morning and a tea dance.

Cllr Maureen Smith commended all the local councils involved in the scheme: “People are impressed by this collaboration. It shows what can be achieved,” she said.