Volunteer sought to save Wedmore bus service (From This is The West Country)

Volunteer sought to save Wedmore bus service

7:30am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Kirsty James

A VOLUNTEER is being sought to step up and save a community bus service in Wedmore.

Derek Wotton, current chairman of the Wedmore Community Bus service, will be stepping down from the role at the group's meeting on April 24.

The service, which is relied upon by many elderly residents, could be in danger of being withdrawn by Somerset County Council if a suitable volunteer is not found.

Mr Wotton told the Weekly News: “The County Council has not threatened to withdraw it, but it is a possibility.

“It would be difficult to run without a chairman and if no one comes forward we'd have a problem on our hands.”

The service relies on volunteers in the form of drivers and administrators to ensure journeys to Bridgwater, Street, Taunton and Weston continue to run.

“It is the only direct route to many places, as without it people would need to find their way to Wells and travel from there,” added Mr Wotton.

The chairman would liaise with drivers, route controllers, the caretaker, Somerset County Council, the garage in Glastonbury and the Department for Transport.

Mr Wotton said although the role does not require prior driving experience of the Wedmore bus, and is not exclusively reserved for a Wedmore resident, both would be advantageous.

For more information email derek.wotton@btinternet.com.