A number of bus services run with financial support from B&NES could be at risk of being cut, residents in the area have been warned.

The Lib-Dem-run Council is asking bus users and Parish Councils for their views on proposals which could see some of the Council's bus subsidies ended or reduced. As part of the consultation, which only runs until 12th December, a number of bus services which the Council says are poorly used or not good value for money have been put on an 'at risk' notice.

Opposition Conservative Councillors have raised concerns that not enough residents have been made aware of the potential changes and are urging residents in North East Somerset to send in their views.

Cllr Tim Warren, the Conservative Shadow Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "Many people rely upon local bus services to go about their daily lives, particularly elder residents and the less able. Ending or reducing any bus service could have a major impact on these bus users, particularly if there are no decent alternatives, and so any decision should not be taken lightly.

"As a principle, we believe the Council has a responsibility to ensure there are bus services available to the isolated parts of the area or to places which are poorly served by commercial operators.

"Unfortunately, the Council has not stated what level of saving it is looking to achieve, so it's hard to know how many of these services on the 'at risk' list could ultimately be affected. If the Council does need to make savings from its bus contracts then it should be looking at all bus services from the ground up to see if routes can be better designed to ensure provision is maintained across the area."

Routes potentially affected by the consultation include:

. 665 service in Saltford and Keynsham;

. 507 service from Keynsham to Southmead;

. 533 service from Keynsham to Mangotsfield;

. 179 route Sunday and evening service from

Bath to Midsomer Norton via Timsbury;

. 668 & 636 service Tuesdays;

. 67 daily between Bristol and the Chew Valley;

. 672 evening bus Bristol to the Chew Valley;

. 67 Bath to Frome evenings;

. 338 late evenings from Bath to Keynsham;

. 791 & 793 weekly between Bath and Weston-super-Mare via Midsomer Norton.