A NORTH EAST Somerset town’s bus service has been saved from being axed.

Keynsham had faced losing its K1 bus at the end of the summer when its funding came to an end. It was due to be replaced by a new K2 service, however, the two bus routes serve totally different sides of the town connecting the Chocolate Quarter area with the town centre.

In a surprise announcement, West of England Mayor Helen Godwin, has confirmed the funding for the K1 service for a further three years.

West of England Mayor, Helen Godwin, explained: “When we announced the new K2, we said we would look closely at maintaining the K1’s connections and have listened to councillor and resident feedback on how valuable these links are to local communities.

“I'm pleased that we're able to maintain these important connections for Keynsham residents, ensuring people can continue to access the town centre, jobs, education and local services.”

Keynsham south councillor Dave Biddleston (Labour) said: “I couldn’t be more pleased that WECA have kept our K1 bus. It will continue to provide transport to school for our children, deliver our seniors to medical appointments and deliver residents to the High Street.

“I’d encourage everyone to use it more, that way we can begin our arguments for the town [to] have a K3.”

The K1 was one of several buses set up by the local community under the West of England Combined Authority’s WESTlocal scheme.

Both the K1 and K2 will now run at least until they are reviewed in March 2029.

Mr Biddleston added: “There are still improvements to be made for Keynsham. However laudable the intention, not everyone is able to cycle, and provision should be made for bus transport, equal to the provision that B&NES is giving for cyclists.”