A BUS user group is campaigning to reinstate a service to connect two Somerset towns.

Campaigners launched a petition asking for a new service between Wiveliscombe and Wellington that could also connect the villages that lie between the towns.

The Wiveliscombe Bus Users Group also said cuts were made earlier this year to the First Bus 25 service between Taunton and Dulverton.

Campaigners claimed that if Wiveliscombe residents were able to travel by bus to Wellington they could pick up the frequent 22/22a/X22 services to get to Taunton as well as buses to Tiverton and Honiton.

There is also a connection at the Lidl store in Wellington to the hourly Falcon services to Bristol Airport and Bristol city centre as well as to Exeter and Plymouth.

A spokesperson for the Wiveliscombe Bus User Group said: “We urge people in the local area, regardless of whether or not they use buses, to sign our petition.

“A bus link between the two towns would enable people in Wiveliscombe and Milverton to get to Wellington for dental, optician and hospital appointments as well as for shopping and leisure/social events.

“The infrequency of the current service between Wiveliscombe and Taunton, made worse by recent cuts, means that this could be a very desirable option.

“For Wellington residents, Wiveliscombe has the attraction of events such as the 10 Parishes Festival, local walks, and a weekly market.

“Surveys have shown there is a demand. We need an operator to pick up and run with our proposal.”

The 25 and 22/22a/X22 bus services are operated by Buses of Somerset, part of the First group.

A spokesperson for Buses of Somerset, part of the First Bus group said: “We’re always keen to hear ideas for bus services from our local communities.

“We also work closely with the Somerset Bus Partnership who we regularly consult and ask for feedback.

“We’ve received the proposal from Wiveliscombe Bus Users Group for a link between Wiveliscombe and Wellington, and these, along with other suggestions from the Somerset Bus Partnership are being considered as part of our next planned network change in April 2025.”