The MP for Frome and East Somerset, Anna Sabine, has criticised the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) after changes to local bus services failed to address long-standing concerns over school transport.

Further changes made by the authority also threaten two important bus routes.

Despite months of campaigning in meetings with the West of England Mayor, discussions with Writhlington School and direct engagement with the WECA bus team, the newly published timetable for the 768 service still fails to get students to Writhlington School for the start of the school day.

The revised timetable means the service now arrives at the school well after lessons have begun, says the MP.

And while a bus from Frome serves Writhlington before the school day begins, there’s no equivalent service for students travelling from Peasedown St John, Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

Public buses currently only run as far as Radstock, leaving pupils to face a steep 25-minute walk uphill to the school.

The issue is becoming increasingly urgent as Writhlington School prepares to expand its joint Sixth Form with neighbouring schools, requiring many more students to travel between campuses.

During a visit to Writhlington School, the MP heard directly from staff about the pressures the inadequate transport network is placing on both families and the school's finances.

The school has been forced to organise its own heavily subsidised bus service from Frome via Leigh on Mendip, costing families £1,375 per year while the school contributes around £10,000 annually from its own budget alongside pupil premium funding.

Anna Sabine MP said: “I am incredibly disappointed that, despite months of engagement, WECA has failed to deliver a timetable that gets local children to school on time.

“When decisions about public transport are made without properly reflecting how people actually travel, it is rural communities that lose out.

“Children should be able to get to school on time without unnecessary stress, and schools should be able to focus on educating young people rather than trying to plug gaps in the transport network.”

The MP has also voiced concern over the planned withdrawal of the175 bus and the loss of the 522 service from Orchard Way in Peasedown St John.

Residents living along Orchard Way will lose two direct bus services, with those travelling to the Sulis Hospital for appointments now facing a 15 to 20-minute walk to Bath Road before they can catch another bus.

Anna Sabine added: “The decision to remove the Orchard Way section of the 522 and 175 is another example of local transport decisions failing to reflect how people actually use these services.

“For many residents, particularly older people, those with mobility issues or anyone travelling to appointments at Sulis Hospital, an extra 20-minute walk simply isn't a realistic alternative.

“Reliable buses are not a luxury in rural communities. They are essential for getting to school, work and healthcare. Once again, it feels like communities across the Somer Valley are being overlooked.”

The West of England Combined Authority has been approached for comment.