Following our story at the beginning of the month, when residents of Chilcompton Road, Midsomer Norton, were campaigning to save their bus route, Chilcompton readers are now expressing concern that should the route stand, then double decker buses will be making their way through the village, and Baker’s Lane, in particular.

A spokesperson for First Bus confirmed to The Journal this week that the problem is due to the low railway bridge at Fry’s Well, and that capacity needs to be expanded, not to serve Chilcompton specifically, but for the Bath-Peasedown St John-Radstock corridor.

Services 172, 173 and 174 will have a double decker bus on these routes as of 7th June.

Due to the low bridge, First had decided to reroute the bus, which would have meant it stopping along Chilcompton Road, Midsomer Norton.

Campaigner, Chris Smith, has called the route a “lifeline” to residents in the area and to the elderly and disabled who use the bus to travel to Midsomer Norton, Bath and Wells. She has expressed her fury at no consultation by the company, only being told by her bus driver that the route would be stopping and her road cut off. First maintain that as it is a commercial route, there was no requirement to consult.

At the town’s public annual meeting this week, Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Paul Myers, said that the petition by Ms Smith had raised nearly 400 signatures, and it seemed that “the commercial argument had saved the day.”

Chilcompton residents are less happy, with The Journal receiving numerous emails and letters on the subject. One said: ‘This does sound extraordinary – Baker’s Lane is very narrow in places and difficult enough for cars to weave in and out – how a large bus will manage it is beyond comprehension.

‘However, the most serious issue is the lack of a pavement for pedestrians, who frequently use this road; either alone, accompanying children to school, or walking dogs.’

A spokesperson for First Bus told The Journal this week: “In terms of safety, we have risk-assessed the route and deemed it safe. We would not run the bus along this route otherwise.

“Whilst Baker’s Lane is relatively narrow, it is not the narrowest part of the route. At the moment, we are running a full length single decker, and whilst the double decker will be higher, it will actually have a lower foot print in size.

“We are stuck between a rock and a hard place – we are here to serve our community the best we can, and we will never be able to please everyone – but we believe that this option is the best as a whole. We are open to feedback from anyone on this route.

“Because of the bridge, Baker’s Lane is now our only option if residents want the bus to continue to serve Chilcompton.”

Chilcompton residents will now need to speak with First or contact their local Mendip Councillor to make representations on this subject. Cllr Myers serves a Midsomer Norton ward, so is unable to help those living in the village.