THE park and ride schemes in Taunton, threatened with closure, have won a reprieve.
Taunton Deane Borough Council is stepping in to save the town’s two bus following talks with Somerset County Council.
It has pledged a one-off contribution to keep the park and ride sites at Silk Mills and Gateway open until at least September 2019 after the county council put forward proposals to suspend them in a bid to make financial savings.
Cllr John Williams, leader of the borough council, met county council counterparts so that the authorities could find a solution in light of the continuing squeeze on the public purse.
Taunton Deane will provide the initial financial support that will allow the service to continue to operate while a commercially viable service is developed by the authorities and First Bus to complement existing parking provision.
Cllr Williams said park and ride was essential for drivers looking for an efficient, cost-effective way of getting into the town centre, and are extremely beneficial to the local economy.