A SOUTH-WEST bus boss has assured public transport users in Chard and Ilminster that First Group does what it can to meet customers’ needs.

Last week, The News reported that the number 30 service through Chard, Ilminster and Tatworth, which travels between Taunton and Axminster, will be going from an hourly service to every 90 minutes.

The alterations are among a number of changes and reductions in the county to services run by The Buses of Somerset, part of First Group.

A full statement was not forthcoming before we went to print but managing director for First South West Alex Carter has since commented on the changes.

He said: “We are constantly reviewing our services in Somerset and wherever possible we do what we can to enhance journeys to meet the needs of customers.

“These revisions will further improve services where there have been issues with delays and others will enable us to tailor our journeys to suit the needs of our customers.

“We regret having to withdraw services due to the local authority terminating its subsidy but we shall continue looking for opportunities to work with other partners in Somerset in developing the county’s public transport network.

“The Buses of Somerset is an evolving company into which we have invested considerable resources over the past year. We are totally committed to keeping Somerset moving for the benefit of all our customers.”

News readers have been reacting to the story this week on social media, blasting the alterations as “disgraceful.”

Andrew Down said: “That’s really unhelpful – no doubt nobod y ’ s thought about convenient connections with trains at Axminster either.”

Helen Plumbley said: “It’s already basically non-existent – not everyone can drive, they tell you to use public transport but how can you? It’s disgraceful.”

Melissa Whittaker-Mather added: “People need to be able to go to college, work and appointments. Trying to plan your life around a timetable is so difficult. If one breaks down, that’s a three-hour wait.”

For more information about The Buses of Somerset and to view the new timetables, visit busesofsomerset.co.uk