Shepton Mallet Conservative Councillors Jeannette Marsh, Bente Height, Simon Davies and John Parham have joined Prospective MP James Heappey in welcoming news that the Town’s four Saturday bus services will all be safe as the result of a Somerset County Council decision taken today.
The County Council invited people in the Town to comment on the need for weekend bus services in a consultation that finished last month – and it is those individual comments and views that have led to the decision.
John Parham, Conservative County Councillor representing Shepton Mallet and Croscombe, said:
“Town Centre shops in Shepton Mallet are under pressure – and it was the view of most people who took part in the consultation that the economy of the town would suffer hugely if the Saturday bus service was ended. Public transport is also a key part of our Neighbourhood Plan."
“We recognise that County Council finances are very tight at the moment, but this is the right decision, and I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Town Council and, of course, local residents, for making Shepton’s case so powerfully."
“This is a fantastic result for our Town.”
James Heappey, Prospective MP for the Wells Constituency, said:
“John, Jeannette, Bente and Simon have done a great job representing Shepton, and encouraging people to participate in the consultation. That the routes are now safe is wonderful news for businesses and residents in and around the town – and a testament to the hard work of our local Councillors.”