THE future of three bus services in West Somerset is under threat following plans to axe their public subsidies.

Somerset County Council is proposing to withdraw all funding from Webberbus's 100 Minehead town route and the company's 106 Doniford to Minehead service.

Also set to lose all its subsidy is the 107 Luccombe to Wootton Courtenay to Minehead service run by Ridler Coaches.

The proposals come close on the heels of a controversial decision by bus company First to axe late evening journeys on its 28 service between Taunton and Minehead because they were not commercially viable.

The county council has launched a public consultation on its proposals, which it said is due to cuts in its Government funding.

And the authority has warned that the loss of subsidies could mean bus operators running fewer buses or even stopping some services.

It currently subsidises - either wholly or partially - a total of 81 routes across the county which are not commercially viable.

"The county council is not legally obliged to provide any public or community transport services but does have a duty to secure public transport services which would not otherwise be provided, where the council feels this is appropriate," said a spokesman.

He said the routes affected - at least a dozen countywide - had been earmarked for possible reductions in financial support because of the availability or proximity of alternative services, low passenger use, possible commercial replacement or because they were a specific tourism route which the council was no longer able to support.

The route of the 100 service is said to be covered by local buses 10 and 39, plus the 'demand responsive' West Somerset Slinky bus.

The Slinky also covers the other two services at risk, with the 106 route also covered by local services 18 and 28.

But Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor said the 106 route was well used, particularly by holidaymakers.

"I am very worried that if this service goes, the young, vulnerable and elderly will be hit hard," she said.

"Watchet and neighbouring Williton are amongst the most deprived areas in

Somerset - the loss of any more bus services is just disadvantaging the disadvantaged."

Watchet Town Council is currently spearheading a co-ordinated campaign with neighbouring towns and villages to fight First's cutbacks on the 28 service.

Buses now no longer run from Minehead after 6.40pm during the week, with return journeys from Taunton stopping at 8pm.

To comment on the county council's proposals, visit http://www.somerset.gov.uk/bussurvey">www.somerset.gov.uk/bussurvey or call 0845 345 9155 to have a survey posted.

The last date for posting is December 20 and a final decision on the possible loss of subsidies will be made by councillors in February next year.