RESIDENTS living along a well-used and busy road connecting Midsomer Norton with Radstock, Peasedown St John and Bath have called for a permanent bus service.

Radstock Road, which sits on the A362, is one of the busiest commuter routes around the district with thousands of vehicles travelling along it each day.

The route does see infrequent use by the 414/424 service connecting Frome with Midsomer Norton, which is operated by FromeBus, but nothing else.

Residents across the town recently shared their views on public transport in a survey carried out by Community Connectors – an organisation that is working with a range of partners to find out what local people think about services, and to empower them to make a difference in their own community.

Project manager Nathan Hartley said: “There are bus stops positioned along the Radstock Road part of the A362, but few buses in sight.”

“Our Community Connectors initiative is all about listening to local people, understanding what their priorities are for the area in which they live, and giving them the tools and resources to bring about change.”

Nathan has written to B&NES Council’s Transport Department and WECA, the West of England Combined Authority, to ask about the possibility of reinstating a bus service along this route.

Volunteers from Community Connectors are currently delivering a petition to the 400 homes along Radstock Road, and neighbouring side roads. Each household is being given a petition slip, with details of how of it can be returned.

“We also want to give people a voice! Too often we’re told that the views of local people don’t matter, well here in Midsomer Norton they certainly do!” added Nathan.

The plea from Radstock residents comes as MP for Frome & East Somerset, Anna Sabine, has written to First Bus's senior leadership following a major service failure on Monday, May 18 that left Midsomer Norton residents without any bus service for nearly three hours.

Five services on the 171 and 172 routes failed to operate during morning rush hour due to vehicle breakdowns, leaving passengers with no bus between 6.30am and 9.28am.

Anna said: “First Bus has apologised, and I appreciate that, but an apology doesn't get people to work.

“Two vehicle breakdowns should not mean an entire town is cut off for the best part of three hours. That tells me there is no proper contingency in place for when things go wrong, and that needs to change.

“Midsomer Norton residents depend on these routes. They don't have another option. I've asked First Bus directly what their backup protocol is when a vehicle breaks down during peak hours, because right now, it appears the answer is: there isn't one.

“I will keep pressing on this until we have a proper commitment that this won't happen again.”

The MP has written to First Bus asking for clear answers on their contingency protocols and minimum service guarantees, and has requested a meeting with senior leadership.

FirstBus have been approached for comment.