With help from Mike Bishop, Frome’s Town Crier, the Frome & Villages Bus Users Group (FAV BUG) have taken to the streets to spread the word about the threat to the 161 and 424 bus services.
Somerset County Council is proposing to cut funding for the 424 service to Midsomer Norton and the 161 to Wells on Saturdays.
On Saturday 22nd November, Mike and representatives of FAV BUG handed out leaflets to passengers arriving and leaving on the affected buses. The leaflets and notices, which can now be seen on the relevant routes, encourage local people to take part in the county council’s consultation survey which closes on Monday 29th December.
To take part in the survey, click on www.somerset.gov.uk/bussurvey. Printed copies are also available at Frome Library.
On Saturday, many passengers expressed surprise and concern at the proposed cuts, which would affect their ability to visit Frome to work or shop.
Tracey Harding of the Bus Users Group said, “The 161 is the only bus service to operate along the Butts on a Saturday. The service already only operates every two hours, if it is cut back further a lot of Frome’s residents won’t be able to shop, get to work or visit loved ones.
“The alternatives to using a bus are often very expensive so it is vitally important that we try to save this bus service from further cuts.”
For more information or to get involved in the campaign visit: favbug.blogspot.co.uk
