FEARS that money for West Somerset community transport concessionary fares schemes would be slashed next year were allayed this week.

Somerset County Council agreed to continue the present fares arrangement for 2018-19.

“There had been rising concern about the removal of the discretionary concessionary fares scheme,” said Barbara Middleton of Minehead community transport provider ATWEST.

“The news is a tremendous relief to those who run West Somerset’s community transport and car schemes. Without the concession there would be considerable hardship.

“Concessionary fares are of vital importance to thousands of rurally and socially isolated people in this area.”

The county council’s transport commissioning manager, Nicholas Margison, said the scheme, which offers a fare discount to passengers with a bus pass, would remain unchanged during the 2018-19 financial year.

He added: “It is also unlikely to change during this council’s leadership term but I cannot give you 100 per cent assurance at this time.

“The current administration understands the value of the work undertaken by community transport in keeping our Somerset communities connected.”