WITH only seven days to go before West Somerset loses three of its four major bus services, urgent talks are being held to explore possible ways of keeping buses on the road.

In a series of meetings over the next few days, county and district councillors, transport-providers and representatives of town and parish councils will discuss options including a possible three-month delay in cancelling the services while alternatives are sought.

“There are still loads of options,” said Minehead’s county councillor Terry Venner, who is leading the save-the-buses campaign.

He has written to Cllr David Fothergill, county council lead member for transport, urging him to investigate alternative funding and suggesting private firms might sponsor services their employees use - Hinkley Point is near one of the axed routes.

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes and, being optimistic, I would say there’s a 50-50 chance of some sort of eventual solution. I am hopeful that things might move along in the next few days."

Full story in the Free Press