FUNDING has been secured to ensure a bus service can continue serving a number of villages, schools and the University of Bath in North East Somerset.

Bath and North East Somerset Councils (B&NES) has funding matching Wiltshire Council’s financial support which will enable the 94 bus, which runs from Bath to Trowbridge, to continue serving residents in Westwood, Limpley Stoke, Freshford and Monkton Combe and several schools.

Wiltshire Council has funded the service in its entirety since West of England Combined Authority (WECA) stopped supporting it a year ago.  

Cllr Fiona Gourley, Member Advocate for Rural Communities and a Councillor for Bathavon South Ward, which includes Freshford and Monkton Combe, said: “I would like to thank everyone who joined me to lobby so hard for this vital service.

“Over 1,300 people have signed my rural bus petition (https://www.bathnesbuspetition.org.uk), including many along the route of the 94. I have heard from so many people, including elderly residents ringing in tears, desperately worried about the loss of their buses, and the negative impact on their lives.

“I am relieved that B&NES Council has secured the funding and thank Wiltshire Council for their patience in continuing to keep the service running. Now we need to restore regular rural public transport to the rest of North East Somerset, using some of the £57m grant that WECA has for bus services. Regular, reliable, rural transport is vital for younger and older people alike, and for those who do not want to or cannot use private cars for health, financial, and environmental reasons.”

Councillor Julian Carpenter, who is responsible for Highways and Transport for Freshford Parish Council, said: “Parish councillors and residents have campaigned to keep the 94 bus running and we are delighted to hear that it will continue to serve the village.  For some Freshford residents, the 94 bus is an essential service with no alternative options – whether that’s for getting to school, college, work, or appointments. It’s a lifeline for some in the village and a vital community amenity.”

Councillor Des Wighton, Chair of Monkton Combe Parish Council, said: “Residents and workers use this service to get into Bath and Trowbridge. It is invaluable, and now it is secure, we will work closely with communities along the route to encourage more people to use the 94 as this is better for the environment, the economy, and their health.”